KCR - Immigrant Services

01/23/2025

“I felt heard, seen, and understood talking to you. Thank you for talking to me and thank you for telling me that I'm incredible, it's hard to remember how much progress I have made. Thank you.” – Crisis Line Caller

This quote underscores the important service that KCR has been providing for over 40 years: The Crisis Line. This invisible safety is available every day, and at all hours of the day to answer the call of someone in distress. January can often bring about feelings of loneliness and crisis, resulting from things such as post holiday debt and seasonal impacts of short days and lack of light.

The reality is that your feelings matter any time of year and when life gets overwhelming, remember that Canada now has simple three-digit number to call or text: 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in crisis or thinking of su***de 24/7/365.

01/07/2025

January is Tamil Heritage Month in Canada.

Tamil people originate in the southern region of India. Over time, Tamils also emigrated to Sri Lanka and, in the modern era, can be found in four primary areas: India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. Canada is home to one of the the largest Tamil diasporas (240,000 according to the 2021 Census) and we celebrate Tamil Heritage Month to both recognize the social, cultural and economic contributions of the Tamil to Canada and to celebrate the richness of the Tamil language, arts and culture worldwide. January was chosen as it is the time of Thai Pongal, the important harvest festival. This is a time of joy, peace, and community and the opportunity to give thanks for the past year and to look to the future with hope and excitement.
Learn more about Tamily Heritage Month at https://buff.ly/4a3LbFn and about the Tamil people and history at https://buff.ly/3W8lfCx.

01/04/2025

Our Inclusive Soccer program, supported by Canadian Heritage and part of our United Against Disrimination program, is back this Sunday through to March. Huge thanks to the volunteer coaches from the UBCO Heat soccer teams for running the participants through their paces.

Our recurring soccer sessions welcome players of all skill levels to make friends, build a community all while enjoying the sport. This is their chance to experience dynamic, fun, and challenging training that will help them develop not only their soccer skills but their
social skills as well in an inclusive environment.
Find out more and register https://buff.ly/4fMA6K7

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01/04/2025

Our Inclusive Soccer program, supported by Canadian Heritage and part of our United Against Disrimination program, is back this Sunday at the Rutland Soccer Dome. Huge thanks to the volunteer coaches from the UBCO Heat soccer teams for running the participants through their paces.
Our recurring soccer sessions welcome players of all skill levels to make friends, build a community all while enjoying the sport. This is their chance to experience dynamic, fun, and challenging training that will help them develop not only their soccer skills but their
social skills as well in an inclusive environment.
Find out more and register https://buff.ly/4fMA6K7

12/31/2024

As we look forward to 2025, a quick share of one of 2024's highlights that was captured by the amazing team at Dream Soda Creative: our 40th Anniversary Celebration. Chermaine was not only amazing to work with, but her generosity in capturing the moments and people, and then creating this incredible video, was truly such a gift. Our 40th Celebration was a great way to share the difference that KCR has made and is committed to continuing to make with Full Circle Moments from participants. It was also a great way to introduce our new Executive Director Katelin Mitchell, a few our key volunteers, including Board President David Brown. Please check out the video and share in the celebration.
As we close out the year, our deep appreciation to all of the donors, funders, partners, team members, volunteers and participants that are a part of the KCR family forever. Thank you for what you have done and what you will be able to help make happen in 2025 and beyond. With you we are achieving our visoin of a community where individuals and families are supported in leading healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.

https://kcr.ca/ https://www.kelownacapnews.com/community/kcr-museums-share-living-history-of-okanagan-7642328 As you may know, KCR has been celebrating its 40th anniversary…

12/25/2024

Today is the last day of Gift Wrapping for Good. Meet the KCR volunteers at Orchard Park today for your last opportunity to have your gifts wrapped for a donation to our partner organizations.

The volunteer elves are ready to use their “glad-tidings” wrapping skills to make your perfect gift a joy to give.

12/24/2024

Our offices are closed this week for the Holidays. We will be open December 30-31 and January 2-3, 2025.

12/22/2024

Holiday Self-Care Tip!
Life is busy ... let the volunteer elves at wrap your special gifts for a donation while you take a few minutes to reset. It’s win/win!
The booth is beside Claires and Quarks.

12/21/2024

Holiday Gifts are a Wrap!
The volunteer elves from 24 non-profits are ready to use their “glad-tidings” wrapping skills to make your perfect gift a joy to give. Your donation will help people in need and make the wrapping of gifts super easy ... it’s win/win!

12/20/2024

JOY to the WORLD!
This holiday season, make gift-giving even more special!
Feel the joy of having your gifts beautifully wrapped for a
donation that directly supports those in need.
Visit our volunteers elves at the Orchard Park booth (near Best Buy) and let them do their magic.