CultureLink’s Youth and Children Centre was the location of our latest indoor event, one of the very few we have been able to host this year for our newcomer clients.

Following health guidelines and protocols, the reception area was turned into an elf-workshop where our staff worked hard to sort and pack dozens of presents for families and children in the community.

Led by our new CEO Jemima Sabapathy and under the direction of program managers Dina Elton and Abdi Yousuf, CultureLink’s SWIS (Settlement Workers in School) and LSP (Library Settlement Partnership) Programs joined hands to quickly organised an especial event. In a very short period of time, our teams were able to produce a safe and socially-distanced Christmas-gift-giving day, demonstrating resiliency, consistency and our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve.

We received presents from many community donors, including organizations such as CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, Kids Up Front Toronto, CICS, Mimico Angels and other private sponsors. We thank all of you for your generous contributions!

For us, this event was proof that even under difficult times, we can count on the community for support and come together to put a smile in kids’s faces. No pandemic can stop us from showing new Canadians what we are all about!

A very special thanks and congratulations to our front-line workers and part-time Santa helpers Claudia and Marianella for helping make this day possible.

Happy Holidays to all!