Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) holds a Newcomers’ Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 10 to help residents learn about the services available to help them.
Kelly Neufeld, manager of marketing and communications at ACS, said the event is for “everyone from immigrants, to people who have moved to Abbotsford from another city, to those seeking employment services or information on childcare subsidies.”
AbbotsfordWORKS co-hosts the event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and provides job search assistance throughout the day along with information on their other employment services.
Also on hand will be the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program, which offers customized career counselling and training support to assist job seekers to transfer their international education and experience into a related career in Canada.
“So many people are unaware of all the programs and services they can access, often for free,” said Swinder Singh, a settlement counsellor at ACS.
“For example, our settlement program helps people integrate into Canada through referrals, workshops and one-to-one support.”
The event begins at 10 a.m., with speeches starting at 10:45. Mayor Henry Braun and MLA Mike de Jong are among the expected speakers.
ACS executive director Rod Santiago will also speak, along with Garrison Duke, director of AbbotsfordWORKS, and Manpreet Grewal, director of ACS Multicultural and Immigrant Integration Services.
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After the main speeches, there will be four breakout sessions.
The Abbotsford Community Police team will provide tools and tips for ensuring personal safety, and WorkSafeBC will present on staying safe in the workplace.
There will also be a brief introduction to employment services options and information on ACS immigrant settlement services.
Other exhibitors at the fair include Abbotsford Child Care Resource and Referral, the Fraser Valley Regional Library and ACS Youth Services, as well as educational organizations and local non-profits.
The event takes place at the Summit Centre (formerly known as the Apollo Multiplex centre) at 3600 Townline Rd.
Visit AbbotsfordCommunityServices.com/newcomersfair for more information.