The Canadian Immigrant Foundation (CIF), founded in November 2022, supports immigrants through tailored programs and community events, emphasizing a sense of belonging and bridging cultural gaps. Led by Kristina McPherson and a dedicated team, including Steven Getten, Rochelle Thomas, and Temu Moore, CIF is committed to empowering immigrants in Canada, fostering resilience and hope.
Our Story
Beyond the tangible services, our foundation is committed to cultivating a sense of community and belonging. We organize cultural events, community gatherings, and sports activities that not only celebrate diversity but also create spaces for immigrants to connect, share their experiences, and form lasting bonds.
Cultivating Community and Belonging
Our services are continually evolving, responsive to the changing demographics and needs of Canada's immigrant population. We actively seek feedback from the communities we serve to ensure that our programs remain relevant, effective, and inclusive.
Responsive to Evolving Needs
What We Do
Empowering Immigrant Journeys, Enriching Communities Together!
Who We Serve
Uniting Families, Strengthening Communities: Welcome Home to Canada!
Information and Resources
Guiding immigrants with essential information and resources for a smooth transition to Canadian life.
Events
Local events to foster community engagement and cultural integration.
Special Group Initiatives
Tailored support for single mothers, families without local support, and other specific immigrant groups.
Meal and Clothing Services
Providing meals for new mothers and families, along with clothing drives to support those in need.
Who We Are
Thrive with Us: Immigrant Empowerment at its Best!
Founder & CEO
Kristina McPherson, PMP
Kristina, the Founder and CEO of the Canadian Immigration Foundation, is not only a guiding force in the field of Canadian immigration but also a published author. Her literary contributions encompass books on Canadian immigration, as well as on mental health and shadow work. These works emphasize the importance of self-care and mental health for immigrants during their journey, advocating for living an authentic life aligned with one's true self and dreams, rather than conforming to external definitions of success. Her comprehensive understanding of the immigration process, combined with her deep commitment to the psychological well-being of immigrants, makes her a unique and compassionate leader in this field.
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Chief Philanthropy Officer
Steven Getten
As the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Steven brings his expertise as a cybersecurity expert and his experience as the 2023-2025 Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council Canadian representative. His immigration journey during the pandemic has given him a profound understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers. Steven is fervently dedicated to improving the lives of immigrants in Canada, leveraging his personal experiences and professional skills to drive philanthropic efforts and community engagement. His role is pivotal in developing strategies and initiatives that enhance the foundation's ability to support and uplift the immigrant community.
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Director of Finance & Operations
Temu Moore, PMP
Our Director of Finance & Operations, Temu, has a global background, having lived in Jamaica, Japan, and now Canada. His diverse experiences make him uniquely positioned to understand and address the needs of immigrants from various backgrounds. A PMP with a strong track record of working with international students, Temu's focus is on using his expertise in finance and operations to enhance the foundation's ability to support immigrants through information, events, and community-building activities.
Chief Media and Communication Officer
Rochelle Thomas
In her role as the Chief Media and Communication Officer, Rochelle brings a rich tapestry of experiences, including her entrepreneurial venture in Jamaica where she co-founded a production company. This company was instrumental in supporting the diaspora through live stream video services, showcasing her knack for connecting communities through innovative media solutions. Her journey in Canada, starting as an international student and now based in Quebec, coupled with over five years of involvement in her community as a communications specialist, underscores her commitment to empowering immigrants. Rochelle's expertise in digital storytelling, media production, and community communication is vital to the foundation's mission, enhancing its capacity to inform, engage, and inspire the immigrant community.
Empowerment Through Information and Advocacy
Central to our mission is empowering immigrants with information and advocating on their behalf. This includes keeping them informed about their rights, changes in immigration policies, and opportunities for civic engagement.
We understand that each immigrant's journey is unique, with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Our approach is to offer specialized support that acknowledges and respects these differences.
Addressing Unique Challenges
Bridging Gaps Through Events and Initiatives
One of our key approaches to building community is through hosting events that not only celebrate cultural diversity but also facilitate meaningful interactions and exchanges. From local gatherings to larger-scale events, each is designed to bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of unity. We recognize that sports, cultural celebrations, and social engagements are powerful tools in bringing people together, helping them feel less isolated in their new environment.
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Empowering Specific Groups
CIF places a special focus on groups that often face greater challenges in the immigration process, such as single mothers, families without local support, and new parents. Through initiatives like meal services for new mothers, food and clothing drives, and targeted scholarship programs, we strive to provide tailored support that acknowledges and addresses these unique challenges.