From Grey Bruce Health Unit Kathryn Forsyth (left) presented the Alibrahim family with the “Good Food Box” at the Port Elgin Library’s Newcomer Night. Shahnaz Fatiema, stood next to Nazahah Ali, Memoona Ali, who held the produce that was given to Mariam and Aisha Alibrahim, with friend Katherine Martinko (right) from the Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund.

Hub Staff

The Port Elgin Library invited all Newcomers to Saugeen Shores to their inaugural Newcomer Night to learn about the community and surrounding area and speak to local organizations from employment services, to county and community tourism groups, to Saugeen Shores Police Services.

In addition to families new to the area, the event, which took place May 19, saw some long-time residents attend as well. Shahnaz Fatiema has lived in Bruce County for 15 years but wanted to come and see what information she could gather to “explore more of the area.”

Registered Dietitian Kathyrn Forsyth from Grey Bruce Health Unit came with healthy food knowledge and recipes as well as a gift from the Grey Bruce “Good Food Box”, that she presented to the newly acclimated Alibrahim family. The “Good Food Box” which is full of fresh produce, can be ordered at Pharmasave in Port Elgin. The Alibrahims arrived in Saugeen Shores in January, thanks to the work of Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund and were familiar with almost all fruits and vegetables in the baskets, but had yet to try celery and swiss chard.

The Library also had information packages on hand featuring local information from Emergency Services, Social Services, local groups, maps, goodies (including an Explore the Bruce backpack, swim passes from the Town of Saugeen Shores and a Library card), and gave one to the Alibrahims. Each refugee family moving to Bruce County will receive a similar package.

Founder and CEO of Recreational Respite, Amy MacFarlane was at the Newcomer Night for two reasons. First as she is a newcomer herself to Saugeen Shores; and second, to help those in attendance learn more about her services.

“I connected with a couple of key contacts, we do a lot of post traumatic stress work with first responders so it was nice to connect with our Police Services, and kind of see where we might be able to help,” said MacFarlane.