Huron Welcome Hub For Newcomers Marks Anniversary With New Name And Call For Volunteers
by Bob Montgomery
A volunteer association created to help support newcomers to Huron County is marking its second full year in operation with a new name, a new website and a fresh call for volunteers.
The Huron Welcome Hub for Newcomers, formerly the Huron Newcomer Support Association, is hosting a meeting on March 24th in Goderich to elect new members to the steering group. It is inviting new volunteers who want to help build on the organization’s successes and ensure Huron County is a welcoming place.
The Hub’s mandate is to provide support to all who are immigrating to Huron County without other support. One major activity is organizing rides for newcomers who don’t have transportation. This is essential for a county with limited public transit. It also supports conversation circles, currently held at the Goderich and Exeter libraries, that are open to all newcomers as a forum to practice English. During each of these weekly sessions English-speaking volunteers lead conversations with newcomers on such topics as sports, community events, food and entertainment. The informal setting helps newcomers feel comfortable using English for everyday encounters. Over the past year, more than 50 newcomers practiced English and developed new friendships.
At the meeting on Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Mackay Centre in Goderich, the Hub will provide an update of 2024 accomplishments, solicit feedback on what can be done to make a difference for newcomers in 2025 and elect new members to its steering group. All newcomers, existing and potential volunteers and interested Huron County residents are welcome.
For further information contact Halina Zaleski, Hub president, 519-525-3572 (halina@hawaii.edu), Mark Nonkes, Local Immigration Partnership Manager, 519-524-0296 (mnonkes@huroncounty.ca) or Patti Tasko, Hub Communications, 437-343-6262 (patti.tasko@outlook.com).
