When I moved to Canada ten years ago, I stayed with my aunt while I attended school. Having family around and being in school provided me with a small sense of community—I knew my family, had a few classmates, and felt somewhat connected.
But once I finished school and moved to a new town to start working, everything changed. I didn’t know anyone, and for about a year and a half, I was basically alone. My weeks consisted of going to work, going to the supermarket, connecting with family and friends on social media and watching Netflix.
Nobody was looking for me, and I wasn’t looking for anybody. I didn’t have a physical community, and my initial months were an incredibly isolating experience.
Fast forward to today, and this sense of isolation has only been magnified for many immigrants, especially after COVID. With the pandemic forcing people indoors and disrupting social connections, the feeling of being alone has intensified.
Add to that the stress of navigating a constantly changing immigration system, where policies seem to shift daily, and you can imagine how overwhelming it can be. Whether they’re stuck in limbo or just waiting for their applications to be processed, immigrants are under immense pressure. Immigration has always been stressful, and it remains so, perhaps now more than ever.
The Canadian Immigration Foundation
The Canadian Immigration Foundation (CIF), which I founded in 2022, was created to give back to the immigrant community in Canada and support them in meaningful ways.
One of our key missions is to help immigrants find a sense of belonging and community. Our events are designed to break the ice, relieve stress, and provide newcomers with an opportunity to momentarily step away from the constant strain of immigration. These gatherings aren't just about relaxation; they also offer crucial opportunities for networking and building connections.
In the last two weeks, CIF collaborated with the Durham Family and Cultural Centre by bringing our Sports Day initiative to two community events, with support from cities such as the City of Oshawa and the City of Pickering, along with local partners like the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce (PABRT), Durham One, and the Ifarada Centre for Excellence.
Bringing the Spirit of Jamaica’s Sports Day to Canada
Back in Jamaica, Sports Day was a much-anticipated annual event during primary and high school. It was a time for friendly competition, filled with races, high jump, long jump, and even three-legged races!
As Canadian immigrants, we miss those events—not only for ourselves but for our kids. So, we decided to bring one of our favorite pastimes to Canada.
Sports Day at a Back-to-School Event in Oshawa
CIF collaborated with the Durham Family and Cultural Centre to bring our sports day initiative to their back-to-school event in Oshawa. This provided an opportunity for immigrants to get outside, de-stress, and meet others in the community. We understand how challenging it can be to take that first step toward engaging with others, especially when isolation is a common experience for many newcomers. By bringing people together in a fun, relaxed environment, we aimed to create a space where participants could begin forming those much-needed connections.
Community BBQ for the International Day for People of African Descent in Pickering
Our second collaboration with the Durham Family and Cultural Centre, along with other local partners, was a community BBQ in Pickering celebrating the International Day for People of African Descent. We brought our "Mini Olympics" style sports day to the event, giving attendees a chance to enjoy friendly competition while celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of people of African descent. The day fostered a sense of community spirit and was about more than just sharing food—it was about sharing stories, experiences, and building bridges between cultures.
Through these collaborations, The Canadian Immigration Foundation and As Told By Canadian Immigrants remain committed to creating inclusive and supportive communities across Canada. By participating in events like these, we aim to help alleviate some of the isolation and stress that so many immigrants face.
Thank you for being a part of this effort. Together, we can create a more connected and supportive environment for all immigrants in Canada. To learn more about the Canadian Immigration Foundation and our initiatives, visit us here The Canadian Immigration Foundation.
Don’t Walk Alone:
If you’re an immigrant trying to navigate the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration and are looking for a supportive community, we invite you to join The As Told By Canadian Immigrants free community and masterclass. Connect with others, gain valuable insights, and engage in a welcoming environment designed to help you feel supported during your journey.
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors:
The Jamaica Tourist Board
Grace Foods Canada
Thanks to the Durham Family and Cultural Centre for having us.
We also thank our community partners, The Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council, and our local representative for their continued support and involvement.
No matter where we go, though we are 'Out of Many,' we remain 'One People.'
In Unity,
Kristina McPherson
Founder & CEO, The Canadian Immigration Foundation & As Told By Canadian Immigrants Community, Talk Show & Podcast
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