OCISO Newcomer News 
January 2020 

January has been a busy month at OCISO. As we embark on a new decade, we continue to strengthen our resolve to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers, where they can receive a full range of culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services. This month’s newsletter includes, along with some other news items, an update on our recently launched Run for a New Start fundraising campaign, for which we hope you consider joining as a walker or runner.

Run for a New Start Campaign Launched for 2020

Please join the run for a new start team today! We're recruiting runners and walkers  to join our Run for a New Start fundraising team as part of the Ottawa Race Weekend's Scotiabank Charity Challenge, May 23-24, 2020. There are a variety of races for all levels, from 2km all the way up to the full marathon (42km).

All funds raised this year will go to support OCISO’s mental health support programs for the most vulnerable newcomers, including women and youth. 

Registration

Instructions on how to register for Run for a New Start and the link to the registration page can be found here.

OCISO will get a $5 referral award for each runner/walker who registers using this link:  https://raceroster.com/24011?aff=MDSVB, so please feel free to share it widely!

Social Media

You can help to get the message out about this year’s Run for a New Start via your social media. Please use:

#runforanewstart
#RunOttawa2020
#RunScotia
@OttawaOCISO
@runottawa
@OttawaMarathon

Information

For more information on Run for a New Start, contact Suzanne Charest, Run for a New Start Coordinator at runforanewstart@ociso.org or 613-725-5671, ext. 273.

Newcomer Embraces the Power of Sport through Wrestling with Champions

We were delighted to hear that only a year after its inception, our successful YOCISO Wrestling with Champions project has produced a medal winner! Last November and December, 14 year-old Adnan Al Muqdad brought home two silver medals from wrestling competitions in Ottawa and Montreal.

The Passing of Abdi Omar

We are deeply saddened by the recent unexpected passing of our colleague Abdi Omar. Abdi worked as a Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) with OCISO since 1992 and he was valued member of our organization. His passing will be a great loss to his family, colleagues, friends, many clients and the community.

As we remember Abdi as a wonderful and gentle soul, our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children at this very difficult time. Abdi will forever remain in our hearts. 

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to provide assistance to Abdi’s family. All funds raised will go directly to support his family.

In Memoriam - Rosa Dell’Aera

We were saddened to learn about the passing on January 1 of one of OCISO’s female vanguards. Rosa Dell’Aera was a seamstress with the Esperia Seamstresses Group at OCISO’s Multicultural Women’s Centre in the 1980s. She worked as the group’s coordinator and animator. Her boundless energy, enthusiasm and irrepressible smile were a joy to all those who came in contact with her. A tough but gentle, bright woman from Sicily, Rosa will always be remembered as an enthusiastic participant in OCISO’s Women's Program and a firm believer in the power and strength of women.

Future editions of OCISO Newcomer News

If you have suggestions for news items or stories that might be highlighted in future editions of this newsletter, please contact Suzanne Charest at scharest@ociso.org.

Thanks for making newcomers to Ottawa feel welcome!