The City of Portage la Prairie, along with the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) and the Portage Local Immigration Partnership (PLIP), are on the look out for new businesses to add to their "Welcome Wagon" portfolio.

Cultural Integration Coordinator with PLIP Megan Romphf explains that a welcome wagon is a package of business cards, coupons and other pamphlets handed out to new residents of Portage after paying their first water bill.

"We've had some great success, and throughout the pandemic, we've had a lot of local businesses that jumped on board. But now, we've had new businesses and new entrepreneurs start up in Portage over the last two years. So, we are looking to add some new businesses and information into the Welcome Wagon."

Romphf says that the whole purpose of the welcome wagon is to help new Portagers get acclimated with the services and businesses we have within our local community.

"It's something that we would really like to continue indefinitely if we possibly can. But it does take getting the local businesses and community involved in donating something to put in those packages so that when you're moving here, you have something to open up and say, 'Wow. Look at all these great places I can try out or go to.'"

Romphf notes that those who are already on board are much appreciated and she is pushing for more to hop on the bandwagon.

"We would really look forward to anybody who would like to reach out and put something in the welcome wagon package," concludes Romphf.

If you're interested in donating or are a newcomer, give them a call at the office at (204) 240-7272 or (204) 240-2871.

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