In response to ongoing global humanitarian crises, PIRS established the Crisis Fund in March to support those displaced from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. During times of upheaval, the services we provide are even more urgent for newcomer women. Services like Community English Classes, Food Access, parenting programs, and Women’s Leadership and Development are key to … Read more
May is Childcare Month in British Columbia! Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) would like to acknowledge and honour childcare workers, women, families, and community organisations for their pivotal role in re-imagining and designing a better future for our children. Now more than ever, we celebrate their dedication, care, and enormous contributions towards a more inclusive, … Read more
RICHMOND, May 11th, 2022 Released by Volunteer BC Volunteer BC Photo Contest 1st Place Winner: Pacific Immigrant Resources Society – Vancouver The volunteer spirit in BC continues to thrive with the announcement of the winners of the 2022 National Volunteer Week Photo Contest sponsored by Volunteer BC .Despite the pandemic, volunteers continued to deliver essential … Read more
Yesterday, 10-year-old Zach and his mom, Annie, visited our office to donate four soccer balls and a pair of cleats. Our hearts are so warmed by Zach’s donation, his passion for soccer, and his desire to share what he loves with other children too. Zach and his mom are a reminder of the ways mothers … Read more
In June of 1997, Pamini arrived in Canada from Sri Lanka, giving birth to her second child in August. She remembers, “I was teaching in a convent [in Sri Lanka], and I really wanted to continue my work with kids here. When I moved here, my sister said you have to change your career, maybe … Read more
“Can you define the Canadian experience?” This is how a newcomer from the Philippines answered the well-known job interview question about her Canadian work experience just two weeks into her new immigrant life journey, in February 2001. Meet Marissa Cecilia Bejer, human resources and development director at Cloverdale Paint, a leader in the paint and … Read more
PIRS’ Executive Director, Mariam Bouchoutrouch shared some beautiful insights for women in the nonprofit sector, about the importance of commitment and self-compassion. What is one piece of advice you would give to women passionate about starting out in the non profit space? “Working in the nonprofit space requires commitment to making a positive contribution to … Read more
Despite her background in marketing from her home country, India, Sweety Rajpal did not immediately find work in her field when she immigrated to Canada in May of 2018. However, thanks to community resources like Work BC and Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), she managed to build a new career path that eventually led her … Read more
Theresa McManus · New Westminster Record · Posted: Mar 29, 2022 What’s happening in New West to support the Ukrainian crisis? Local organizations are joining forces to support the Ukrainian community during the current crisis. Coun. Chinu Das attended the March 11 meeting of the Welcoming and Inclusive New Westminster Local Immigrant Partnership Council (WINS LIP), where she questioned … Read more
When Carla Carvalho decided to immigrate to Canada with her family, she didn’t anticipate having major job search problems. Originally from Brazil, Carla and her husband were confident that this decision would benefit them and their son. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with English proficiency and over 20 years of experience, both in Brazil and … Read more