In March 2025, two people from RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) teamed up to lead a workshop aimed at improving intercultural sensitivity in the classroom. ESL instructor Scott Lao and instructional designer Scott Brownlee developed and delivered a pilot training session through the Strategic Transformation and Applied Research (STAR) initiative. With strong faculty participation, the session provided practical tools for navigating cultural differences and enhancing communication with students from around the world.

If you walk or drive around town this Saturday and Sunday, you might notice that there are many items on the curb in front of people’s houses and apartments. That’s because this weekend is a Giveaway Weekend in Winnipeg. It’s a great time to get rid of some household items that you no longer use or to browse the curbs for some gently used finds.

Tips if you are giving away items:

• Place unwanted household items at the curb on your front street.
• Label each item with a FREE sticker or sign.
• Store items out of sight that you do not want to give away.
• Remove leftover items from the curb by dusk on Sunday.
• Do not put out any items that may be infected with bedbugs.

Tips if you are looking for items:

• Take only the items at the curb marked “FREE.”
• Check all items closely to ensure they are safe and in good condition before you put them in your vehicle or bring them into your home.
• Don’t walk or drive on private lawns or gardens.

For more information, please visit the City of Winnipeg website.

Join FortWhyte Alive and Access Credit Union for a day of nature-based presenters, sessions, and workshops designed to help you learn something new about our planet and how you can help protect it.

For more information, visit the FortWhyte Alive website here.

Did you know that the Government of Manitoba just announced that all provincial parks will have FREE entry for the next year! (Please note, that this doesn’t include camping permits.)

Get out and explore Manitoba this spring! Check out some of these great hiking trails in Manitoba Parks:

• Beaudry Park
• Birds Hill-Cedar Bog Trail
• Birds Hill-Chickadee Trail
• Birds Hill-Kingfisher Trail
• Birds Hill-Beach Park Loop
• Spirit Sands

Daylight saving time 2025 will begin at 2:00 am, Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Don’t forget to ‘Spring Ahead’ and turn your clocks ahead 1 hour.

Ready to learn what you need for your income tax return?

Join this free webinar on March 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and get essential insights on:

✅ What documents you need for your income tax return
✅ CRA guidelines for filing your taxes
✅ Tips for a smooth tax process

Important: This event is exclusive to Immigrant Centre clients.
Not a client yet? No problem! Register here: https://www.icmanitoba.com/get-started/.

Platform: Online via Zoom

Secure your spot now and get ready for tax season with confidence!

Come join us in the EDC Atrium on February 12^th anytime between 11:30 to 1:30pm for our Love in All Forms event. 

This is a time for you to celebrate self-love, connection, and positivity. This event features a sticky note affirmation station, where students can write and share affirmations or uplifting messages on a communal wall, creating a visual display of encouragement and kindness.

Additionally, the Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC) will be present to provide information on healthy and safe sex practices as well as safe sex supplies, empowering students with knowledge about consent, relationships, and sexual well-being.

Do you have a genuine interest and curiosity to learn about other cultures?
Are you excited to share your own culture with others and willing to have insightful conversations about life experiences and perspectives?
Do you enjoy being able to explore all that Winnipeg has to offer?

The Intercultural Partnership Program (IPP) is looking for individuals just like you to take part in a cross-cultural volunteer experience this term. The program is a fun experience and truly makes a difference in the lives of local and global partners.

This partnership program matches Global Partners (immigrant or international students) with Local Partners (anyone with 1+ years in Canada) for a fun and rewarding intercultural experience! 
  
It’s a fun way to explore Winnipeg, make new friends, get involved in campus life, and develop valuable intercultural communication skills. Free tickets to events and activities are part of this program. 
   
Visit the IPP website for more information: https://www.rrc.ca/diversity/partnerships-awards/partnership/.

  

The spirit of the holiday season was alive and well at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) as students and their families received Christmas Cheer Board hampers filled with warmth and care. The two-day distribution event on November 25 and 26 brought together volunteers, staff, and students, to distribute over 300 hampers, creating a sense of unity and generosity that defines the holiday spirit.  

Each hamper included non-perishable food and gifts for families and children. These carefully prepared hampers help newcomers enjoy the holidays. One recipient said, “We finally feel like it’s Christmas time coming to our home,” showing how much these gifts mean to them. 

Families spoke of their children’s excitement and anticipation: “The kids are especially excited about the Christmas presents! Although they haven’t opened them yet, they’re eagerly looking forward to the surprises inside.”