Interest in the community led the Local Immigration Partnership, in conjunction with Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, to reboot the Welcome Wagon in Portage la Prairie.

Coordinator Mitch Tilk says they approached businesses and organizations last year and received some donations and got things rolling with the City.

"The City is going to be distributing our Welcome Wagon packages to anybody that is getting a water hookup for the first time," says Tilk. "And then COVID happened and put a stop to all of that, and all of the momentum that we had generated. Now, we've started it back up. It's very exciting."

Tilk says they were able to hire another staff member in July.

Cultural Integration Coordinator Megan Romphf filled the role.

"It's been really good," says Romphf. "The community has actually been really good in helping with donations or giving business cards or some little trinkets just to kind of put their names out there and let people know in the community, 'Whether you're new or whether you're a homeowner for the first time, we're here to support you.' So, it's really nice."

She explains, along with Welcome Wagon, she's involved with anything and everything to do with ethno-cultural communities, including events or just helping people where they need to be as newcomers, refugees, or immigrants. She says they help to find resources for them and do research on different programs and things going on in our community.

"In your welcome package, you get all the information regarding what the City of Portage la Prairie has to offer in terms of community spaces and just things that go on in the community or places that are of interest," continues Romphf. "And then we also have cards, quick links, travel brochures, and we've got a bunch of pamphlets."

Romphf adds they also provide gift certificates that were donated by local businesses, including Mil-Jeanne Flowers & Axcenz, Domino's Pizza, Chicken Chef, Co-op, Stride Place, and aquatic passes for the family on single-use. She explains the RCMP donated quite a large package toward children items like Frisbees and fidget spinners. Crime Stoppers gave them some swag, and items also were provided by Boston Pizza, Meseyton Construction, and Supplement King in Portage la Prairie.

"That's just a few to add to the list," adds Romphf. "There's still more coming in. It's good."

Romphf says she thanks all of the community organizations and businesses who've donated.

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.