Elders from the Snuneymuxw First Nation will be on hand at the Newcomer Wellness Fair at the Beban Park Social Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 5 starting at 11 a.m. (Submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

newcomers welcome

Newcomer Wellness Fair in Nanaimo provides wealth of cultural and fitness opportunities

Feb 2, 2025 | 6:52 AM

NANAIMO — A community event welcoming newcomers to the Harbour City is happening again this week.

The third annual Newcomer Wellness Fair is on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Beban Park Social Centre, once again put on by the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS).

Community engagement lead with CVIMS Jansait Qughondouqa said this event aims to provide a platform for newer community members as well as the broader community to connect with wellness resources within the community.

“Folks will get the opportunity to connect with supportive organizations from this community. This might include health, fitness, recreation, employment, Francophone-specific services and many others.”

The event is free of charge and is open to everyone, and will also feature live cultural and fitness demonstrations, including traditional Chinese dances, an afro-fusion sharqi dance demo, and tai chi.

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Qughondouqa said last year over 250 people took part in the fair, with over 40 local community organizations and services taking part, as well as a space for kids to play.

A number of cultural and fitness demonstrations will be on display at the Newcomer Wellness Fair on Feb. 5. (Submitted)

“We believe it is essential to connect newcomers and everyone in the community to local organizations and services that provide valuable support. We believe these connections enrich lives and strengthen our community. They also help people and support them in many many ways.”

Also happening on the same day at the same time in lounge B of the Beban Social Centre, Volunteer Nanaimo is hosting a free volunteer fair, which is also free of charge to attend.

The event is put on thanks to funding from the provincial and federal government.

More information on the event, including how to pre-register for the event, can be found here at cvims.org/wellnessfair.

Walk-ins at the door on the day of the event are also allowed.

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