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Stories of Learning and Hope

Enhancing Newcomer Integration: A Volunteer’s Perspective at ISSofBC

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community while gaining valuable experience and connections? At the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), volunteering isn’t just about giving your time – it’s about transforming lives and fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers. Read more about the experience of volunteering at ISSofBC with the testimony of the dedicated volunteer Hamza Hotak below:

Volunteering as a Welcome Ambassador and Workshop Facilitator at ISSofBC has been incredibly rewarding. Speaking multiple languages has allowed me to connect with newcomers, help them feel seen, and guide them toward opportunities.

At a recent job fair, I saw the power of simple gestures – a greeting in someone’s native language can spark their confidence. Watching a newcomer go from uncertain to excited about their future reminded me of how impactful these events can be.

ISSofBC’s job fairs do more than match people with opportunities – they create spaces where newcomers feel valued and ready to contribute. It’s the teamwork between staff, volunteers, and employers that makes it all come together.

Through this work, I’ve learned the importance of building relationships and seeing challenges as opportunities to innovate. I’m excited to continue making a difference in an environment that values collaboration and growth.

Ready to make a difference as Hotak did? Whether you’re a Canadian citizen, immigrant, or long-term resident, you can join ISSofBC’s Volunteer Connections program. Your role as a volunteer will allow you to practice and expand your skills, gain new experiences, build networks, and participate in free workshops – all while contributing to a more inclusive community.

Join us at ISSofBC and experience the joy of volunteering in a supportive and diverse community. Together, we can create opportunities, build connections, and support newcomers to thrive in British Columbia. Visit here to learn more and start your journey with us today.

About ISSofBC: Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) is a non-profit that welcomes and supports newcomers to settle in their communities, learn English, study and find work in British Columbia (BC). Please visit us at www.issbc.org.