Annual Welcome BBQ

A multicultural gathering for all!

On Saturday, July 16th approximately 700 residents participated in the 6th Annual Welcome BBQ making this years event a tremendous success!

The Halifax South Commons provided a wonderful venue – central, safe and welcoming, with a truly neighbourhood feel.  Hotdogs by the dozen in every variety imaginable were prepared and served by volunteers.

Residents were treated to fresh corn and fruit, sweet potato slices, and cake. Samba Nova, Concrete Roots and Florence Simmons Zumba entertained the enthusiastic crowd. Colourful tents hosted art-making, books and story-telling, and face-painting. Children’s artwork depicted “what a home is”; the paintings and words added a special touch as they were hung along clotheslines between the large shade trees. A big fire truck was a welcome attraction, as was the special visit by police on horseback.

This annual free, family event brings new residents together with other local residents from the community. At this year’s event many established newcomers were welcoming those who have newly arrived from countries around the world, including refugees. And we saw even more involvement than ever from the local community.

More photos from this year’s event!

For information about the Welcome BBQ visit www.halifax.ca/newcomers.

The Welcome BBQ is planned and delivered each year by volunteers from the many organizations within the region providing settlement and integration services to newcomers.  This year’s event is sponsored by Halifax Regional Municipality, Greater Halifax Partnership, YMCA, Carpenter Millwright Trades College, Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services (ISIS), Immigration Francophone Nouvelle Ecosse, Fusion Halifax, Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia, Royal Seniors Club and AWEDA. Programming was also delivered by Frontier College, 4C Art Bikers, African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes, HRM Recreation, HRM Fire Services, and Metro Transit.

Kasia Tota
Community Developer
HRM Community Relations & Cultural Affairs