The business of welcoming newcomers

BY ALBERT KRAMBERGER

editor@transcontinental.ca

They’re in the business of welcoming newcomers to the West Island and they have been around in Canada for 77 years.

Welcome Wagon representatives visit those who have moved in to the community as well as new mothers — bearing gifts and coupons from local businesses that

sponsor them.

One Beaconsfield couple has had two visits from Welcome Wagon reps in the past year, once last month with the arrival of their baby boy and last year when they purchased a home. Kristopher Parent and his wife Caroline welcomed Ben Alexandre into this world on June 25 and they appreciate the goodies the Welcome Wagon reps brought with them on their visits. The Beaconsfield natives lived downtown for a while before moving back to the West Island.

“Welcome Wagon had information on local merchants so we know where to shop locally,” Parent said. “It’s also good to have people from the community to come see you.”

Jane Pattison, who covers Beaconsfield for Welcome Wagon, said she spends anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour with recipients and makes about 30 visits a month. She said she finds it a great honour to welcome and aide newcomers to the community.

“The whole idea behind Welcome Wagon is to get people in the routine to shop and buy at local businesses,” she said, adding she has about 30 businesses as sponsors and some have been with Welcome Wagon for over 20 years.

Jacquie Chatterson is the Welcome Wagon rep who delivers baby baskets to West Islanders. She said she receives names word of mouth and when people register for the baby showers Welcome Wagon hosts twice a year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Chatterson said while her baskets have mainly baby products, from about 20 sponsors and also some civic information, she said moms are “so surprised” to see a gym-membership coupon included as well. She gives out about 15 baby baskets a month, “depending on the birth rate.”

Wendy Kish, the area manager for Welcome Wagon Quebec, has a team of 23 women who work for the organization in various communities, including the West Island and the off-island. That team makes about 275 visits a month in the province.

“People come into a new place and don’t know anything about the town,” she said. “We’re often the first people at their front door giving them information at their time of need. For people moving in, it’s nice to get free products and gift certificates. They can try out stores they may not have considered before.”

For more information about Welcome Wagon, call 514-631-5131 or check www.welcomewagon.ca