In collaboration with our wonderful community partners, Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew is excited to facilitate some great activities and events across our two counties in celebration of Welcoming Week 2022!

“Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong in their local community, no matter where they come from. This year’s Welcoming Week takes place from September 9 to 18. It marks the 10th anniversary of what is now a global event, and Canada’s third year participating nationally. Successful integration is a two-way street: the more welcoming communities are, the more newcomers feel at home and contribute locally” – Immigration Matters

Welcoming Week 2022 Line-Up

Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
Friday, September 9^th – Sunday, September 18^th

Looking for a fun adventure to take part in? Join our Goosechase App Scavenger Hunt with special activities designed to celebrate differences and create a more welcoming community. You can participate in a team, or individually. Spaces are limited. Download the Goosechase app to participate. You can find more information here.

Say Welcome! Challenge
Friday, September 9^th – Sunday, September 18^th

Visit participating libraries in your area to complete the Say Welcome! Challenge. How many languages can you say welcome in?

Community Cultural Cookbook
Friday, September 9^th – Sunday, September 18^th

Sharing food brings everyone together. Has there ever been a more accurate statement? We’d like to highlight your favourite family recipe. What dish feels like home? What dish do you love to cook for your family? Visit participating libraries and share your culinary traditions with us in their provided notebook. You can also share it with us via email Localimmigrationpartnership@algonquincollege.com or on social media. We hope to eventually put together a community cookbook with the recipes collected from across our two counties.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Algonquin College Perth Campus Room 103
Monday, September 12^th at 12:00 pm

Join us at the Algonquin College Perth Campus in Room 103 for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” A light lunch will be provided to students. Students can pre-register here.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Petawawa Public Library – Rotary Room
Tuesday, September 13^th at 1:00 pm

Join the Petawawa Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available.  This is a free drop-in activity!

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Pembroke Public Library
Tuesday, September 13^th at 2:00 pm

Join the Petawawa Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available.  This is a free drop-in activity.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Algonquin College Pembroke Campus – The Landing
Tuesday, September 13^th at 7:00 pm

Join us at the Algonquin College Pembroke Campus at The Landing for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available. Students can pre-register here.

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate & Post Film Discussion with Daryna Z.
Renfrew Public Library
Saturday, September 18^th at 6:30 pm

Join the Renfrew Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” After the film, new community member Daryna Z will share her experiences being displaced from Ukraine. Snacks will be available.

Please register before September 15th online or call 613.432.8151

Free Film Screening – Peace by Chocolate
Deep River Public Library
Saturday, September 18^th at 7:00 pm

Join the Deep River Public Library for a free screening of the film Peace by Chocolate: the story of the Hadhad family’s journey to Canada after fleeing the war in Syria. Their resilience and the welcoming community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, led them to establish the artisanal chocolate shop with a simple but profound message, “Peace by Chocolate.” Snacks will be available.

Official Welcoming Week Video
Sunday, September 19^th

To wrap up this year’s welcoming week, view our official #WelcomingWeek2022 video on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) featuring members across our communities. We want to capture the welcoming spirit of Lanark and Renfrew counties and share it with everyone, whether you’re a newcomer or have been here for years.

Don’t forget to share how you’re celebrating Welcoming Week by using the official hashtag #WelcomingWeek2022