Starting a new life anywhere poses its own set of unique challenges. We’ve all moved from one place to another – be it a new home, a new neighbourhood or a new city. The journey can be stressful and fraught with challenges, including its own special type of stress: the worry of the unknown.

I first became aware of the IWSO in 2020 through a CanadaHelps search for GivingTuesday. After reading through their mission and vision, I immediately recognized this was an organization that held the same principles I hold so dear. A specific statement in their mandate caught my attention: “To empower immigrant and racialized women in the City of Ottawa to participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women.” Right then and there I knew I had to support them and I haven’t looked back since-they do such important work.

I’ve been a lifelong resident of the National Capital Region and I’ve had the good fortune of growing up in our beautiful multicultural city. Meeting and interacting with people of diverse backgrounds is a staple of daily life here and we should all feel privileged to have the opportunity of experiencing our life, Canadian life, through the eyes of immigrants.

As a 9-1-1 operator by trade for 20 years, my job is first and foremost to help people through times of immediate crisis. I’ve been exposed to the horrors of domestic abuse and violence against women and children for my entire adult life. From first-hand experience, I recognize that support services are an integral part of the healing process and the IWSO’s community-focused approach through cultural awareness and compassion is something I’m so proud to support and will continue to do so for years to come.

Sincerely,
Chris Paquette