With temperatures dipping below freezing, many newcomers are experiencing their first winter in Moose Jaw.
Those not used to the climate could have a difficult time adjusting, but the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council and their Newcomer Welcome Centre tries to make the transition a little bit easier.
Community connections coordinator Tyler Bastedo says one of the first tips they give newcomers is it bundle up with a thick jacket, thick socks and wear toques and gloves to protect against the cold.
“Frostbite is new to a lot of newcomers,” Bastedo said.
He added winter is a busy time of the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council. They are receiving a lot of donations of winter clothing to help those new to the Canada. However, donations are accepted year round.
“Every year we get lots of donations at winter time because people seem to be aware that that’s when it’s most necessary. We’ve been really thankful for that,” he said.
Before winter hits, the multicultural council will hand out the donated clothing to their clients and newcomers to the city. There is also a donation room at the Newcomer Welcome Centre where warm clothing is available at any time.
Donations can be made at the Newcomer Welcome Centre or the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council offices on Athabasca Street.
“We don’t have a lot of storage space,” Bastedo said. “We always ask everybody to call ahead so we can make arrangements beforehand, see if there is something we need, something we can get to a family immediately.”
Other community resources for warm clothing includes the Salvation Army and Riverside Mission.
Every year in the fall, the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council’s settlement team holds a winter orientation session and the Newcomer Welcome Centre holds evening winter information sessions.
These information session cover everything from dressing for the weather to keeping your house warm to driving on winter road conditions.
“We don’t have one line up because we try to get ahead of the winter weather,” Bastedo said.
Any newcomers with concerns about getting through the winter or would like to learn more can contact the Multicultural Council’s settlement staff or visit the Newcomer Welcome Centre (432 Main St. North).
