Temporary foreign workers celebrated the coming of Christmas on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the Centre du Plateau in Montreal, during the first edition of the Intercultural Christmas Kermesse organized by the Centre d’aide aux familles latino-américaines (CAFLA).
Text Naomy Rendón, PTET CAFLA coordinator, in collaboration with InfoTET Québec. Photos Julio Venegas, FERME Contigo.
Over 165 people attended the event, where they enjoyed a delicious meal, drinks, Christmas music and interactive games provided by our guest partners: the Service d’interprétation et d’aide aux immigrants (SIARI), who provided information on their free interpretation and translation services for TFW, the Fondation des entreprises en recrutement de main-d’œuvre agricole étrangère (FERME), the Centre d’intégration en emploi Laurentides (CIE Laurentides) and the Guatemalan Consulate, with whom we also shared some great moments. CAFLA also organized a bingo, during which several gifts were distributed.
The Christmas basket draws at the end of the event were also an absolute success, with a total of 50 baskets, 25 of which were donated by Pupusas la tradición, a small catering company committed to supporting Quebec’s Latin American community.
Psychosocial support service
CAFLA offers the community of temporary foreign workers holding a closed work permit a psychosocial support service (in case of anxiety, stress, depression, family problems or problems with colleagues and employers) and a health service (information on their health rights, non-urgent health problems, prescriptions for pre-existing illnesses).
Winter days, sometimes far from our families, can be a difficult time emotionally. CAFLA and its “Bonne santé, bien informé” team are there for you. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2023!
*Please note that the CAFLA hotline (+1 888 286-7584) will be available during the holiday season (except December 24, 25, 31 and January 1) for psychosocial assistance.
The project was funded by the Government of Canada.
