Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and at Kamloops Immigrant Services, you can smell the turkey a mile away.
On October 8th, KIS hosted its annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner. “The Thanksgiving Potluck is one of the dinners we host on a larger scale,” said Emily Shuttleworth, Community Connections Coordinator at KIS. “It’s an opportunity for new clients to try turkey, ham, and other Canadian foods , and to bring a little bit of their own culture to the table too.”
In the halls, the air buzzed with chatter as people swapped stories about their home countries and their experiences in Canada. The laughter of children echoed in the background, filling the space with warmth. For Emily, that’s what the event is all about
“My favorite part about planning this event is seeing the children play and run around, and when I see people talking to those they haven’t talked to before or sitting with people they haven’t met , getting to know each other.”
At KIS, food is more than just a meal, it’s a way to foster community among people who are far from home.
It can be hard to meet new people in Kamloops, whether you’re a student at TRU or a newcomer to the city. Events like these offer a welcoming space to connect and form lasting friendships. “TRU students are always welcome to KIS events,” Emily added, explaining that KIS regularly hosts activities like movie nights and arts and crafts workshops to help people bond and feel at home.
As winter creeps in, we can’t forget to warm not just our bodies, but our hearts, by surrounding ourselves with community.
The Kamloops Immigrant Services continues to support newcomers and international students, helping them settle into Kamloops and build meaningful connections. Upcoming events are featured on the KIS event calendar for anyone interested in joining.
Got any plans for Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments!