ISSofBC cut the ribbon at Welcome Centre with an open house celebration including live performances, an exhibit, children’s theatre, tours, games and more on Saturday, June 25.
The opening of the ISSofBC Welcome Centre – located at 2610 Victoria Drive – is the culmination of a long-held vision by ISSofBC to create a regional hub of transitional housing and support services for newcomers. It is the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the world and sets a new international standard in service delivery for immigrants and refugees.
“The new ISSofBC Welcome Centre will be a safe haven where immigrants and refugees can come for assistance to get a solid start on their new lives in Canada,” said ISSofBC CEO Patricia Woroch.
In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony by invited government officials and ISSofBC supporters, the opening of Welcome Centre included performances by the African drum band Joe Amouzou, Chinese cultural dances presented by the the Hanyang North American Arts and Culture Centre Association, a presentation for children by the Vancouver Polish Theatre and a cultural exhibit and performance Following the Silk Road and Beyond with Syrian singer-musician Adel Othman.
ISSofBC Welcome Centre was built with funding support from the governments of Canada and BC, on land provided by the City of Vancouver, and contributions from supporters, primarily, Vancity and the Edith Lando Family Foundation.
Thank you to all who attended and to the performers, staff and volunteers who made the opening monumental.
For those who did not get a copy of the commemorative booklet, please click here.
