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40 years and growing for Nanaimo-based immigrant aid group

Apr 21, 2019 | 9:48 PM

NANAIMO — Officials with a longstanding and well-respected agency are celebrating four-decades, hailing Nanaimo’s support of newcomers as the cornerstone of their success.

The highly regarded Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary helping people acclimatize to their often vastly different realities.

CVIMS executive director Jennifer Fowler said it was 1979 when a volunteer-led task force explored how to make life easier for local immigrants.

“They wanted to see how we could best help an influx of newcomers that were coming here 40-years-ago,” Fowler said. “It was a community initiative that grew us to where we are now.”

Fowler said volunteers of the non-profit agency have driven their success, supporting its nearly 40 employees in countless valuable ways.

CVIMS’ one-stop re-settlement hub, including language classes, on-site childcare and employment services, enriches the entire community beyond those directly impacted, Fowler said.

She said despite the supports provided by the CVIMS, immigrants often face many hurdles while attempting to contribute to the local economy.

“We’ve got a lot of immigrants that are under-employed looking for work in their areas. We need to find ways to utilize these people and resources in a better way.”

Fowler said overall the people of Nanaimo are incredibly welcoming to those adjusting to life in the Harbour City.

 

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