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Here's the latest from CVIMS:

Reminder: Annual General Meeting on June 19th, 2008

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

of

The Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society 

Thursday, June 19th, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Maffeo Auditorium

CVI Multicultural Society, 285 Prideaux Street

PARKING LOT ENTRANCE

 
Report on the Healthfair 2008
Healthfair 2008 - A Huge Success

The Central Vancouver Island (CVIMS) sponsored Healthfair 2008 was opened with greetings from Paul Armstrong, president of the Society and from Ron Cantelonon behalf of Wally Oppal, BC's Attorney General. This was followed by a lion dance and certainly the response indicated it was one of the highlights of the day.

On stage, there was entertainment ranging from hip hop and salsa dancing to a gu zheng performance. Through out the day, there was always an audience of about twenty or more for the stage shows.

We had between 500 and 600 people during the day. Most of the participants were immigrants and whose first language is not english. There were also were also non-immigrants in attendance. The highlight for the participants was the screenings, especially the blood pressure screening. Each participant was given a 'passport' with the number of exhibitors. With a visit to each exhibit, their passport was stamped and a completed passport made them eligible for draws through out the day.

The forty exhibits ranged from Options for Sexual Health to the Canadian Cancer Society. The food demonstrations put on by Nanaimo Foodshare and Thrifty Foods were very popular as were the acupuncture and baby massage. There was also blood glucose screening and eye testing.

A big thanks to our many sponsors and volunteers for making the day and this event such a huge success.
 
Our Community’s Story: Celebrating Nanaimo’s Chinese Settlers

With funding from a BC 150 Grant and support from Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC, Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society and Malaspina University-College, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society celebrated Asian Heritage Month and the May long weekend on May 17th, with a number of events focusing on Nanaimo’s early Chinese settlers.

The weekend started on Friday evening at the Harbourfront Library with a sight not seen in Nanaimo with two lions dancing side by side in Library Square. This was followed by a welcome from a Snuneymuxw Elder and then by a panel discussion: “Canadian eh!: Who IS Canadian? Honouring the diversity of the Canadian experience”. The panel included members of the Aboriginal, Black, Chinese, Japanese, Persian and White communities, long time residents of Nanaimo and a recent immigrant.  It made for an interesting discussion and an afternoon.

Harbourfront Library also played host to the children's program Saturday morning with videos and was followed by "You Eat That"?! A childhood of food memories with Imogene Lim. The highlight for Saturday was the 'Talking Circle'-Telling Stories: Tales from the Chinese Community. Hearing stories about the Chinatown which no longer exists from the older generation (aged 74 to 91) kept the audience of 30 plus entralled.
 
What's happening in the ELSA Department?

PBS Field Trip
All 4 classes attended the Pacific Biological Station’s open house on April 24, 2008.  The Pacific Biological Station was celebrating 100 years of science.  It has been a part of Nanaimo since 1908 at the same location. The response from the students was tremendous.  There was so much to see and learn. The daycare also joined us.  It was wonderful to see some of the children enjoy the touchy feely tank with squeals of laughter and enormous smiles.  Some students returned on the weekend with their families to enjoy the open house which was then open to the public.  The research ship “CCGS W.E. Ricker” was one of the favorites of all. 
 
... and what about Settlement??

It is with regret we announce that the Multicultural Sports and Games evening activities will not be continued because of a funding cut. We have been using the Fairview Community School for more than five years and had offered activities to the community free of charge to the participant. These activities provide immigrants the opportunity to meet new friends and to build support network which is an important part for their integration into Canadian society. Local long time residents also benefit by learning from new Canadians. Hundreds of community members have had the opportunity to appreciate Nanaimo’s rich cultural diversity, especially during special events such as Lunar New Year celebrations. We do have plans to help new immigrants in other programs. We will keep you informed as soon as possible.
 
New! Intercultural Connections Program!

If you want to….

  • Help someone adjust to their new life in Canada
  • Learn about new cultures
  • Exchange new ideas
  • Give the newcomer valuable language skills
  • Or ... just be a friend

We’re looking for volunteer individuals and families
to partner with new immigrant individuals and families.

We’re also looking for Youth Buddies who want to make friends,
learn about other cultures and help newcomers adjust to life in Canada.  

For a volunteer application contact Pat at (250) 753-6911 ext 5  admin@cvims.org
 
Skills Connect Program for Immigrants

Do you know a skilled immigrant who is not working at his or her full potential? The Skills Connect Program for Immigrants is designed to assist skilled immigrants to return to work in their area of expertise. Contact Nanette Longo to learn more. (250) 753-6911, ext. 108 or skillsconnect@cvims.org
 
Immigrant Employment Centre

Looking for a job? We can help!

- Computers, Internet, Job Postings
- Help with Resumes, Interviews and Job Searching skills
- Employment Counselling
- Credentials Evaluation Assistance
- and much more

Contact: (250) 753-5503 or cponsford@cvims.org

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm

The Government of Canada has
contributed funding to this initiative.
 
Become a Mentor
  • Have you at least 2 years of experience in your profession?
  • Can you offer 2 hours a week over 8 weeks?
  • Would you share your professional experience and welcome the opportunity to meet with new people entering their career field?
We are currently seeking mentors in
a variety of professional areas.

Contact:
Angelika Valchar, Employment Consultant
(250) 753-5503 or avalchar@cvims.org

The Government of Canada has
contributed funding to this initiative.
 

If you would like to support our programs and services, you can become a member or make a donation online via paypal. We are a registered charity and your tax deductible donation is important to us.