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Town of Irricana providing 'welcome' gift baskets to newcomers

Collaborating with Irricana FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) and the Irricana Municipal Library, new residents' welcome packages aim to engage with newcomers and foster a sense of belonging within the small rural community.
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Newcomers to Irricana can receive an official welcome package, thanks to a collaborative program put on by the Town of Irricana's FCSS team and the local library.

The Town of Irricana is welcoming new residents to the community with a warm and inviting initiative.

Collaborating with Irricana FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) and the Irricana Municipal Library, new residents' welcome packages aim to engage with newcomers and foster a sense of belonging within the small rural community.

The concept of the welcome packages was first introduced in 2022, following discussions among Irricana FCSS, Irricana Town council, and staff from the local library. Recognizing the library's central role as a community hub, it was a natural choice to join forces and create a program that would connect new residents with their surroundings and help them feel at home.

“In 2022 we had an overwhelming response to the packages and went through the 20 packages that were put together,” said Brook Swanson, Irricana’s FCSS and Community Services coordinator. “The Town of Irricana and Irricana FCSS greatly value the collaboration with the Irricana Municipal Library to bring this program to life.”

Each package includes a variety of items for Irricana newcomers, such as information packages about local businesses, organizations, and resources, as well as other useful info about their new community.

According to Swanson, the primary objective of the welcome packages is to alleviate some of the stress and challenges associated with moving somewhere new. She said the municipality recognizes the overwhelming emotions that come with such a transition and hopes these packages will provide a better experience for new residents.

“This is a small way of trying to minimize those feelings and enhance their experience moving to a new community by creating something positive and helpful,” she said.

To Swanson, this initiative is a small but significant contribution toward the broader goal of community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging neighbourly connections. She is happy local businesses were just as excited as she was and didn’t hesitate to step up.

“We have had a wide assortment of businesses and organizations involved and this just goes to show how welcoming and great the community of Irricana is,” she said.

Looking ahead, the Town is committed to continually improving and expanding the new resident welcome package program. According to Swanson, plans are already in motion to develop a comprehensive new resident checklist, offer online tools and resources, and introduce a ‘Great Neighbors Program’ as part of the fledgling program.

“Each year, we continue to improve and grow the program, Swanson said. “We would like to thank the business and organizations who have contributed to this program.”

Local businesses and organizations in Irricana are invited to participate as sponsors. Interested business owners can contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

New residents can pick up their welcome package at the Town of Irricana municipal office or at the Irricana Municipal Library.

By getting involved, businesses have the opportunity to contribute to the welcoming atmosphere of the community and support new residents in their transition to Irricana.

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