WINA's mission is to enrich newcomers' lives through the artistic, cultural activities and enhancing their social relationship with an intercultural focus with pride and dignity. WINA Canada animates cultural awareness by promoting public intercultural events within Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
The Welcoming Intercultural Newcomers Association (WINA) was originally called the Welcoming BBQ Association (WBA) and it is
a non-profit, charitable organization that has offered 20 years of Annual Newcomers BBQ. The association provides newcomers in HRM with the right resources to help them learn about their new community, through the annual Newcomers' Welcome BBQ signature event. WINA is also committed to supporting cultural groups retain their distinctive cultural identity, language and arts. WINA now implements its diversity strategy to provide programs and services that will empower and relieve barriers for Newcomers people in the areas of securing employment, Mental Health Education, Fire Prevention programs, and cultural understanding. An integral part of WINA has always been to provide anti-racist education and promote intercultural understanding to the general public through workshops, programming and community events.
Welcome BBQ
The ever popular Newcomers' Welcome BBQ is a free intercultural family event planned and delivered each year by the Welcoming Intercultural Newcomers Association (formally The Welcome BBQ Association) and a volunteer committee made up of individuals from a diverse group of organizations. Our mission is to provide an accessible and friendly environment for those who are new to HRM, and to take the opportunity to introduce newcomers to current residents as part of the integration process.