Free World Cup watch party for newcomers to Canada
Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosting hundreds at downtown Toronto event to build community and belonging through Team Canada's Bosnia match.
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The Institute for Canadian Citizenship is bringing hundreds of newcomers together to cheer on Team Canada while building connection and Canadian pride at a free World Cup watch party in downtown Toronto.
The event, organized in partnership with the ICC's Canoo app, invites newcomers to watch Canada take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in an experience designed to foster community connection. CEO Daniel Bernhard says the organization is proud to support people in their journey to call Canada home, emphasizing that immigration strengthens the country.
"Canada's strongest when talented people from around the world come and play for our team," Bernhard explained. "If people aren't happy here, if they don't feel welcome here, if they're not able to succeed, they do have other options. That is our challenge."
The ICC is a national charity working to retain and integrate newcomers into Canada's economy and society. Its staff comes from over 12 countries. The Canoo app, developed by the organization, gives eligible newcomers access to more than 2,000 free and discounted experiences across Canada — a tool the ICC uses to help newcomers experience and connect with their adopted communities.
The watch party represents a broader effort to use shared experiences — in this case, national pride and sport — to help newcomers feel they belong.