Mobilization, Diversity and Immigration
The flow of immigration over the last few years has risen markedly in the territory of Laval. The face of the clientele attending the resource reflects this reality. The increase in the membership of cultural communities, including the massive arrival of newcomers from any category (refugees, asylum-seekers, immigrants… etc.) has increased in the order of 25% since 2005: a Laval reality linked to the flow Migration in the region.
In 2016-2017, 58 cultural communities, including the host community, benefited from the services of the relay, despite the increase in the demand for emergency support (food, clothing and furniture) linked to the increase of the clientele.
This orientation of action has had the effect on the organization to adapt its mode of intervention on several levels: listen to their requests, meet their essential needs, support them in their integration process and inform them of the operating modes from the host community.
Two projects have emerged to allow us to adapt our interventions to this new reality:
First project funded by Laval City and MIdi
The richness of difference, a value added in Quebec, learn to live together!
This project involves organizing activities for the host community and newcomers to promote and foster ethno-cultural diversity, the development of intercultural relations and the prevention of prejudices.
The 2016-2017 achievements were:
- Two (2) focus groups composed of 20 participants each focusing on the following theme: Myths and realities of newcomers and living together.
- One (1) workshop on living together comprising 14 participants.
- One (1) workshop on the theme: Are you in a good mood? Speaking to the volunteers of the relay, 11 of whom participated.
Second project funded by the CCR
Relief of furniture for Syrian refugees.
This project aims to support Syrian refugees living in poverty who have recently arrived in Canada, reducing the cost of furnishing at the time of their establishment, and organizing activities for the host community and newcomers In order to promote and promote ethno-cultural diversity.
In addition, the service related to furnishing is one of the general objectives of the relay, which is to increase the accessibility of goods and services necessary to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations.
The 2016-2017 achievements were: furniture repairs and deliveries for 4 different families living in precarious situations (project that started at the end of the fiscal year).