Multicultural Association opens new Goderich satellite office

BY DENNY SCOTT

In an attempt to not only attract, but retain newcomers to Huron County, the Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron has opened a satellite office in Goderich.

The association’s main office is in Stratford, however Founder and Director Geza Wordofa says that, to reach newcomers in the area, a dedicated space is necessary.

The office is located in a conference room on the second floor of the Bedford Hotel on The Square in Goderich and Wordofa says the hotel has been a great partner in making the move happen. The site is open now and will operate on a three-day-a-week schedule, Wordofa said.

The hotel is a great site, he said, because everyone knows where The Square is and everyone can find the hotel from there.

“We needed an office close to the people,” he said. “This was it... our main goal is to have someone here to look after newcomers.

Wordofa said, with the pandemic and lockdowns, people are finding it difficult to connect with the community, especially when overcoming language and cultural barriers. By looking to larger centres, he said, newcomers can find people with shared experiences, similar backgrounds and who literally speak the same language as themselves.

He also said that governments and the companies these newcomers work for may not be doing enough to make sure the newcomers are managing in the communities. He said that housing problems can plague newcomers, and many have lost work opportunities as a result of the pandemic. The site will be there to help people find homes, work, transportation and even supplies like masks.

Wordofa also acknowledged problems with convincing newcomers to get the COVID-19 vaccine, saying that many are citing religious concerns for not getting the shot. He said that, by having this local site, the association can reach out and connect with newcomers and also offer transportation if necessary. He hopes newcomers will listen and trust the association, so hopefully that will allow the organization to impress upon the newcomers the importance of the vaccine.

For more information, visit maph.ca.