Reception House

Providing a warm welcome to our newest neighbours

Events

Annual General Meeting

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us at our Annual General Meeting on September 12, 2024. It was an inspiring opportunity to connect with our supporters and partners and funders as we celebrated our collective efforts and commitment to supporting refugees in making Waterloo Region their home.

A special thank you to Acting Mayor Debbie Chapman for bringing greetings and engaging in meaningful conversations with our attendees. We are also deeply grateful to Sue Nally for delivering the land acknowledgment and guiding us in reflecting on the importance of reconciliation as we continue to welcome newcomers to our community.

We appreciate your continued support and looking forward to our shared journey ahead.

Circle of Connection, 2024

On 17 Aug, we hosted our annual “Circle of Connection event” to recognize our amazing volunteers and build relationships between volunteers and clients. Over 50 people attended the event and joined together in fellowship and fun activities.

We are deeply thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for making Circle of Connections possible—an inspiring gathering that fostered meaningful relationships among clients, volunteers, donors, and staff, strengthening the heart of our shared mission.

Multicultural Festival 2024

Reception House participated in the Multicultural Festival this year to raise awareness about refugee issues and challenges.

We were joined by artist, Pamela Rojas representing the importance of diversity in our community. We enjoyed connecting with community members and sharing stories of refugee resettlement in Waterloo Region.

Reception House Celebrates ” Black History Day”

Reception House celebration of Black History Day, Feb 2024. Our dedicated staff came together to commemorate this significant event in a truly special way.

We embarked on a journey to explore the fascinating history of coffee, a beverage deeply intertwined with the stories and experiences of Black individuals around the world. From its origins in Africa to its global impact today, we delved into the rich and complex narratives that shape our understanding of coffee and its cultural significance.

Our event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm as attendees engaged with the shared history and narratives. It was truly inspiring to witness the conversations and connections that blossomed as we reflected on the contributions of Black individuals to Canadian society.

To conclude our celebration on a delightful note, we treated our guests to a variety of coffee blends and samosas, each carefully selected to reflect the essence of Black History. From bold and aromatic roasts to savory and flavorful snacks, every sip and bite was a celebration of diversity and heritage.

Reception House Celebrates Donors at “Donors Appreciation Event”

Reception House, in collaboration with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, hosted a remarkable “Donors Appreciation Event” on February 22, 2024, commemorating the steadfast support of donors and sharing inspiring success stories of newcomers and refugees.

The event was a testament to the collective efforts of Reception House and its dedicated supporters in facilitating the integration and success of newcomers and refugees in Canada. Among the highlights of the evening was a heartwarming success story shared by our CEO, Babur Mawladin, illustrating the transformative impact of Reception House’s programs and services on the lives of a newcomer.

Throughout the event, our program managers provided comprehensive briefings on each of our programs, highlighting their profound impact on the lives of newcomers and refugees. Attendees gained valuable insights into the transformative power of their support as they mingled and engaged in meaningful conversations.

Reception House remains committed to its mission of providing essential services and support to newcomers and refugees, empowering them to build brighter futures and contribute meaningfully to Canadian society.