BURLINGTON CULTURAL MAPPING

Our Mission: Working together with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages, we will enhance the quality of life in our community by creating opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, provide stimulating social events and promote healthy lifestyles.The main focus of our service is for newcomers to Canada, as they need the most support in transitioning to their new life. This includes social, health, recreation and education support.

Our Story: RCI is a new organization that has originated in Burlington, Ontario. The organization held a “test run” fundraiser, a Badminton Fun Night at Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Burlington, to get word out about their cause. RCI's main goal is to help newcomers to Canada find support in adjusting and becoming more engaged in their community. RCI will provide and organize stimulating events, in the areas of social, health, recreation and education.

During a brief interview with one of the founders, Lily Hudson, I learned the inspiration and motivation behind her drive to create this organization. Lily explained how it was her desire to be involved in a bridging function service or business when she originally came to Canada, but did not possess the skills to do so. She went through a learning journey as most newcomers to Canada do, but she held onto her vision.

Lily talked about a personal experience that involved someone she knew who was having a hard time adjusting to life here in Canada. This woman struggled with a language barrier, the lack of social interactions, and inability to get a job. As humans we need interpersonal interaction and need to feel a part of a community. Unfortunately, for this person it was hard to do so without the proper support. After a long suffering in silence, feeling isolated and lacking support, she committed suicide as her only option and left her young children and husband behind....

Lily believes that RCI can help people who have been in those types of situations to reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation. RCI will provide a support structure to help them as they pursue their goals, because when people come together, great things can happen.

Better Together Because We All Belong: Working together with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages, we will enhance the quality of life in our community by creating opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, provide stimulating social events and promote healthy lifestyles.