AMHERST, N.S. – Nothing says, “welcome to the community” like a big basket full of goodies, and the Multicultural Association of Canada wants that for everyone who moved here from another country or region.
The Building a Basket initiative is the latest effort from the association’s welcoming committee, and was launched during a recent gathering at the Cumberland YMCA.
“We wanted to engage the community, because that way the community members, association members, businesses and general public would see there’s an activity going on they can take part in,” said Brent Noiles, board member.
Businesses, community groups, employers, service clubs, non-profits and governmental organizations are all being asked to donate items or information, with the goal of building 12 welcome baskets for people immigrating to the region.
Donations could include an item or product, coupon, gift certificate, or information material like a pamphlet or brochure.
“We wanted the basket to be as much about information as items,” he said. “When you move here, information is just as important.”
A number of partners have come on board with the initiative, including the YMCA, NSCC Cumberland Campus, the three community health boards, Maggie’s Place Family Resource Centre, the Village of Pugwash, Municipality of Cumberland County, Town of Amherst and Town of Oxford.
The idea came out of a brainstorming session during a committee meeting, according to welcoming committee chair Hee Yeon Son.
“It’s just a nice gesture,” she said. “We thought it would be nice to actually greet people from a different country or region to Cumberland County, and then the idea was to come up with a welcome basket from community agencies and businesses.”
Donations for the baskets can be dropped off at six different locations: the YMCA, Maggie’s Place, NSCC Springhill Campus, Oxford Town Hall, Parrsboro Service Centre and Pugwash Village Hall.
“We really want people to participate,” said Noiles. “We want it to be as much about showing spirit and showcasing Cumberland, and providing information.”
