Celebrate multiculturalism and meet Carleton County newcomers over a special ice cream sundae
Dari Delite is hosting a Multicultural Night in partnership with MACC on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The event will help inform the community about the Multicultural Association of Carleton County (MACC) and the services they provide for newcomers to the community.
Six students will set up displays by the historic ice cream shop on Main Street, Woodstock, to share information about their home countries and their experience in resettling into the area. The Youth Leadership Program consists of students from Argentina, Mexico, Jamaica, Nigeria and two from Cuba.
Dari Delite will offer a special “one night only” ice cream sundae called the MACC Daddy. The Youth Leaders inspected the various ice cream flavours and toppings and determined what would represent a multicultural sundae.
Amy Anderson, the MACC Schools Program Coordinator, said the Youth Leadership program gives children aged 12-16 a chance to prepare for future post-secondary education or employment in the area. She said it gives them the confidence and skills they need to succeed locally.
The students spent the previous month preparing for the presentation and learning about the area. They worked on their presentation skills and fine-tuned their communication attributes. They also received coaching around job skills and resume writing.
“We are setting them up for success in the future,” said Anderson. “It gives them a chance to prepare to share information and how to present themselves. They get the opportunity to meet new people and be around the general public.”
Part of the evening at Dari Delite is to offer new and old residents information about what services MACC has to offer.
Teaching the English language is a significant component of the association’s mandate. It offers both in-house and online training. MACC provides settlement services for the many newcomers to the area.
“There is a robust community involvement program,” said Anderson. “MACC can assist in connecting people with local programs and organizations. They basically do whatever is necessary to integrate new residents with the community.”
Anderson noted that Dari Delite extended the offer to host a Multicultural Night. She said the ice cream shop has made recent renovations and is now showcasing live music weekly. This year marks Dari Delite’s 75th anniversary.
She thanked owner Eric Cummings, who supports the community in a multitude of ways.
“This is going to be a great way for people to learn who is coming to Carleton County and have a chance to talk at a human level,” said Anderson. “It’s important to know that outside of New Brunswick’s main cities (Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John), this county has the most newcomers to the province. They make a major contribution to the economy and in schools.”
Anderson said she hopes as many people as possible can find the time to come to enjoy a MACC Daddy ice cream sundae and extend a welcome to new residents who are excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Carleton County community.
