Eastman Immigrant Services threw a Christmas Potluck Party for newcomers this past Friday at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church.

Charlene Penner is the Volunteer and Integration Coordinator for Eastman Immigrant Services. She planned the Christmas bash and says it was a big hit with 165 people from 17 different countries in attendance.

Hoop dance"We had people bringing food from all around the world. There was a huge selection of different items there. Everything from Pizza to Pancit and everything in between. We were also very honoured to be joined by Mayor Chris Goertzen and MLA Kelvin Goertzen who brought greetings and then our entertainment for the evening was an indigenous hoop dancer named Brian Klein and it was incredible to watch his performance."

Penner says they also spent time playing games together and some gifts were exchanged. She notes Eastman Immigrant Services provides assistance to people who are settling in the Southeast throughout the year and the annual Christmas party is a part of that.

"We really value creating welcoming communities and so this is kind of an extension of the services we provide throughout the year. It focuses on building that community, especially for people who maybe don’t have family around here during the holidays, that can be tough. Creating opportunities to connect with other people."

Penner says the Christmas party is quite an ordeal to plan but the response they receive from the many people who attend is really great.

The newcomers provided a wide variety of food for the Christmas potluck