Martha's House Donates Backpacks and Supplies to LFS Newcomer Girls Group
Aramark volunteers with LFS newcomer girls, behind backpacks assembled for the Newcomer Girls Club.
Alberta has the fourth highest number of newcomer youth in the country, and for so many of these youth, settling into a new place comes with significant challenges. Many newcomer families struggle to afford basic items when they first land in Canada. Our Newcomer Girls Group program aims to help prepare newcomer girls, 10–18 years old, to be active members of their communities and society by connecting with peers, building communication skills, engaging in fun activities, and learning about health and wellness. While the program helps with community-building, it lacks funding to give out basic supplies to girls in need.
Aramark - Martha’s House in Lethbridge volunteered to assist with supplies, and gathered funds and items to fill backpacks for newcomer tweens and teens. The backpacks were assembled and given to the LFS Newcomer Girls Club this past Friday. Each backpack included basic hygiene products, healthy snacks, a journal and pens, a reusable water bottle, a sensory toy, and a towel that can be used at the monthly Women and Girls Only Swim event at Stan Siwik Family Swimming Pool. A very special thank-you goes out to Rob Mensch and Misty VanBuskirk at Martha's House for purchasing the supplies and organizing volunteers. Aramark - Martha’s House previously assisted with funds and volunteers for the LFS Backpacks for Safety project.
“These backpacks will help our newcomer girls succeed in school and in their extracurricular activities, while also providing some comfort and play” said Sarah Algren, Youth Settlement Practitioner at LFS. The LFS Newcomer Girls Group program runs every Friday at 2:00 pm at the Youth Settlement Services office, located at #108, 920 2A Avenue North.
The Women and Girls Swim program takes place on the last Friday of each month from 3:00–4:30 pm. The first 35 participants in each swim session get in free, and the cost is $4 for participants to attend. Kids 3 and under are free. The program was started in 2024 by Lethbridge Sport Council, Recreation Excellence Lethbridge, and Lethbridge Family Services, Immigrant Services.
Lethbridge Family Services provides highly-accredited health and social services to over 9,000 individuals and families in more than 30 communities in southwestern Alberta, through the professional services of more than 380 staff, and the support of over 550 committed volunteers. LFS's vision is a connected and inclusive community where people thrive.
Media Contact:
Michelle Gallucci
Director, Advancement & Communications
Lethbridge Family Services
mgallucci@lsfamily.ca
403-915-8028
