Since April, 123 newcomer families have arrived in Altona, Winkler and Morden this summer, said Laurie Sawatzky, Executive Director of Regional Connections. Of these, 57 reside in the Winkler area, 41 in Morden, and 24 in Altona.

This summer has been busier than most for the organization, with 370 people settling into these areas.

Sawatzky says this region has a higher retention rate than other areas, and believes it is due to what the Pembina Valley area has to offer.

"I just attribute that to the opportunities that are here in terms of employment, the quality of life that's here, and generally the welcoming and inclusiveness of our communities.

She also believes volunteer efforts at Regional Connections helps newcomers feel welcome. Last year, the organization had 300 volunteers who contributed over 5,000 hours.

"Whether they would be just a language companion... or helping with community tours... I guess when I think about welcoming communities I just look at the volunteers that we have," she said.

She noted a lot of newcomers will become volunteers because they want to give back. They are also excited to show their culture to others, during Regional Connection's Culturefest.

New this year was a summer camp for newcomer youth, which was very successful. Also wrapping up last week was the organization's 8 week summer language training course, which has 300-350 participants.

The organization is preparing to start their fall programs. Over 150 students signed up for upcoming language classes in just one day. The organization offers language assessment, language classes, job search workshops, volunteer programs, and more. Fall programs will be starting shortly. Sawatzky noted there is still room to sign up for upcoming language classes.  

Permanent residents can access the programs. Unfortunately, people coming to Canada on work permits are not eligible.

Fall will offer Jump Start and information sessions starting September 18th.

Sawatzky added people are emigrating from Kazakhstan, the Ukraine, India, Russia, the Philippines, Syria, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil, to come Altona, Winkler and Morden. About 124 countries are represented in the Pembina Valley region.