Supporting New Beginnings: A Canadian’s Dedication to Helping Newcomers

Photo by courtesy of Rhona DelFrari

Rhona DelFrari was born and raised in Canada and is passionate about assisting newcomers with her time and resources.

Over the years, she has observed the challenges that immigrants and refugees face while settling in Canada. This has fueled her passion for helping them, and she wants to make a greater impact. One of her favourite ways to do so is by volunteering with settlement service provider organizations.

When asked why she was passionate about newcomers, she said, “I’ve always wanted to help newcomers succeed faster in this country.”

She observed that although newcomers often have a strong determination and desire to improve their lives and their families, they don’t often have the same opportunities as their Canadian-born counterparts, which she believes is unfair.

Rhona was introduced to Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) about seven years ago when a former colleague sought her help to recommend a volunteer to support the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Committee of the ISC board. She took on this opportunity, and since then, she has held several positions on ISC’s board, from a regular board member to Vice Chair, Board Chair, and now past chair.

Apart from volunteering her time to serve on ISC’s board, Rhona also donates her funds to the organization because of its direct impact on newcomers.

She finds it inspiring whenever she visits the Gateway Welcome Centre and sees the smiling faces of ISC clients who receive free settlement support.

Rhona encourages others to consider volunteering their time, resources, or both to ISC. “Any kind of support is important, whether it is $20 or $20,000, and it means a lot.”

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About the Author

Damilola Kadiri is an international communications professional and author. She currently works as the Communications Lead at Immigrant Services Calgary. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to gospel music, and learning new things.

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