Holiday dinner in Niagara brings newcomers together during what can be a 'tough,' lonely time
CBC
Nothing brings Olayinka Animashaun more joy than seeing other people happy.
For the second year in a row, the Niagara Falls, Ont., resident is hosting a holiday dinner for African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees in the community.
Animashaun, who came to Canada in 2015 from Nigeria, said she understands first hand how lonely it can be for some newcomers to Canada, especially during their first months in the country.
"Living life outside their own culture is a tough one," Animashaun told Ismaila Alfa, host of CBC Radio's Fresh Air, adding, "I just want to see people happy.
"When they come I can't say no. I'd rather give you my food when you are hungry, because I know God will provide for me, that's it, she said."
Animashaun is the founder of the Niagara African Caribbean Culture Organization (NACCO), which helps refugees and newcomers with the challenges they face as they settle in their new home.
Animashaun said the celebration dinner and award ceremony is being held to celebrate and honour those in the Black community. This year's event will be held Friday evening at the MacBain Community Centre in Niagara Falls.
The meal will include vegetable rice, Jollof rice, potatoes, yam porridge, suya (grilled beef steak), and Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken, curried chicken, rice and peas and curried goat.
Animashaun said she wants people to leave filled with "happiness" and "joy" after the dinner.
"We've all worked so hard each year … and it's a day for us to eat, celebrate ourselves, celebrate our achievements … and recognize most of our leaders that have worked effortlessly for the Black community," she said.
Earlier this year thousands of asylum seekers were sent to Niagara Falls, Ont., from Quebec, with the federal government paying for hotel accommodation.
Ottawa also began transferring asylum claimants from shelters and churches in the Greater Toronto Area to hotel rooms in Niagara and other parts of the province in September.
Ayomide Aderemi, a 22-year-old Nigerian refugee, said Animashaun made him and his mom feel at home in Niagara Falls.
"We had issues when we were in the hotel … [and] she was like an advocate for us," Aderemi told CBC Hamilton via telephone from Ottawa where he now resides. "She did a lot for us."
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