The Connection is an intercultural association in Medicine Hat that operates year-round. Our organization hosts social events and inclusion programs to help locals and newcomers build meaningful relationships. Our dedicated volunteers assist newcomers in learning local customs and ways of life in Canada. Our ultimate goal is to create a future where diverse cultures can enrich and inspire one another, promoting empathy, collaboration, and mutual learning.
- We strive to create a positive impact by breaking cultural barriers and building bridges.
- We strive to foster a community where intercultural diversity is a source of strength, innovation, and collective prosperity.
- We aim to foster intercultural collaboration by providing a platform for meaningful interactions, cultural exchange, and educational initiatives.
- Our Strategic Plan aims to foster a global community that actively learns from and celebrates cultural diversity while creating and strengthening new pathways.
We are big believers in the power of Cultural Awareness, Intercultural Leadership Training, and Social Inclusion to create positive change in our world. By embracing these pillars, we can increase our understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures while helping individuals and communities thrive in a global society. It’s essential to prioritize these values to build a more inclusive and connected world where we can all flourish.
Who can participate?
Our events and programs are open to everyone who wants to connect and learn from our local and international participants. Whether you are a local resident, an immigrant, an international student, a temporary foreign worker, a short-term visitor to Canada or anyone new to town, we welcome you to join us and get connected.
We are dedicated to uniting individuals of various backgrounds. Borders do not limit our pledge to joining people together, as we recognize and value our diverse population’s distinct outlooks, traditions, and requirements.
WINTER EXPLOSION
A great way for newcomers to experience Canadian winter sports. Fun snow-filled day in Elkwater including snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice fishing, and skating.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING NIGHT
An evening spent at a coffee shop having meaningful conversations with old and new friends, listening to each other’s stories, sharing ideas, playing games and more.
BAREFOOT SOCCER
Opportunity for soccer players and fans to support local and international charities. The winners of the tournament take pride in winning-to-give to a cause.
INTERCULTURAL DISCUSSIONS
Workshop focusing on dimensions of culture. Participants increase knowledge of intercultural communication with people from other cultures.
PROGRESSIVE SUPPER
Opportunity for local and international people to interact in a local family home for dinner.
SUMMER SPLASH
A great way for newcomers to experience Canadian summer sports. A fun day at the lake including kayaking, paddle-boarding, soccer kick-around, swimming, and more.
INTERCULTURAL CHRISTMAS GALA
An evening of fun, food, entertainment and intercultural experiences. People share cultural stories and celebrations/traditions from all around the world. An event where many enhance their knowledge of other cultures.
MENTORING NEWCOMERS
Supports international newcomer’s learning process and
transition by providing informal interaction with local people. Volunteer mentors connect with their mentees a few times a month
The Connection has been hosting events that focus on bringing local and international people together to learn about each other’s values and local traditions. The generosity of many made it possible for us to continue the work of facilitating meaningful interactions. Kindly consider being a donor or sponsor a package below. Donations without a promo option are 100% tax deductible. We also have promo opportunities, and a tax receipt amount highlighted with each package.
Promo Opportunities:
- Acknowledgement on The Connection webpage for 1 year
- Logo on event promo and video stories
- Social media shout-outs on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Logo on 4 event posters
- Logo on printed tickets, up to 4 events
- Recognition on slides at the Intercultural Christmas Gala
Promo Opportunities:
- Acknowledgement on webpage for 1 year
- Social media shout-outs on Facebook and Instagram
- Logo on 2 event posters
- Logo on printed tickets, up to 2 events
- Recognition on slides at the Intercultural Christmas Gala
Promo Opportunities:
- Acknowledgement on three event webpages
- Logo on 1 event poster
- Shout-outs on Facebook and Instagram
Promo Opportunities:
- Webpage acknowledgement
- Social media shout-outs
*In-kind donation sponsors can get equal promoopportunities if the donation is equivalent to any of thepackages levels. Donations without selecting promoopportunities are 100% tax deductible
- Online (For tax deductible)
www.connectionvillage.org/donate - Cheque – make cheques payable to The Connection. Donations are tax deductible in partnership with The Great Commission
- Promo Option (No tax receipt)
e-transfer: info@connectionvillage.org - Cheque – make cheques payable to
The Connection
The Connection Stories
Elena | Canada |
Speech-Language
Pathologist
Drinking Tim Hortons coffee on a frozen lake surrounded by majestic pines watching ice fishing after we’ve been sledding and snow shoeing is almost as Canadian as you can get. It feels so special to share something so Canadian with new friends!
David | Germany | Student
The connection really inspired me and I’m currently playing with the idea to establish a similar organization in my hometown. I really like the idea to bring locals and internationals together, to support each other and to set up events for everyone.
Sandeep | India | Engineer
I have met 90% of my friends in the Hat through Connection events. Having a good social circle has helped me settle in Medicine Hat and it feels like Home.
Dani | Israel | Graphic
Design
It helped me to meet new people and engage with the local community and realize that there are a lot of people who are very friendly and welcoming for new comers and I did not know that before I knew the connection.
Aimee | Philippines | Student
The Connection has impacted me to be confident, and to not be self conscious socializing given that English is my 2nd language.
Hamama | Nigeria | Nurse
The connection helped me understand the importance of showing unconditional love to people. I have learned to breakaway from stereotyping people and just interacting with them for who they are.