Portage la Prairie is bringing back the Welcome Wagon program to help new residents feel at home and discover local businesses.
The initiative offers newcomers a package of promotional items and coupons from area businesses, aiming to encourage them to explore the community.
Mitch Tilk, Local Immigration Partnerships Program Coordinator with the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), notes the program’s goal is simple: “We’re just looking for businesses and other places that offer some services; if they’re willing to put in some promotional items or coupons or things like that, just to try to get new residents to come out, check out what’s going on in our community and feel like they are welcome here.”
The Welcome Wagon program had been dormant for a while due to challenges such as COVID-19 and staff turnover.
Mitch adds, “Every once in a while, we do a reset and a full request to the community for new materials and items."
Tilk says the initiative is about making newcomers feel welcomed and supported during their transition.
The program offers a way to introduce them to local shops, services, and activities that help build a strong community fabric.
Businesses interested in contributing promotional items or coupons can contact the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation by phone at 204-240-7272 or by email at plip@portagecrc.com.
Mitch mentions, “We’re just trying to get a nice, good, robust package together for people when they come.”
The Welcome Wagon relaunch hopes to foster connection and community spirit, reminding new residents that Portage la Prairie is a place they can call home.
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