In early October 2025, the North Shore Immigrant Inclusion Partnership (NSIIP) hosted the North Shore Health and Wellbeing Fair at the Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre, a vibrant gathering that welcomed over 400 community members to explore health resources, build connections, and celebrate inclusion.
98% of newcomers who attended the event shared that their knowledge of health services increased and 93% reported they are better prepared to access and navigate health care resources on the North Shore. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn in an approachable, inclusive setting.
Over 20 exhibitors provided opportunities for meaningful one-to-one conversations at their interactive booths. Mini fitness sessions were hosted by North Vancouver Recreation and Culture, North Shore Emergency Management presented workshops, and Impact North Shore staff and volunteers provided cultural and language interpretation.
Building Awareness, Access, and Confidence
A participant shared with us how valuable it was to learn about emergency preparedness. Their home had been flooded the previous year, and the information and tools they received helped them feel more confident about what to do in the future. Another visitor learned through the Equipment Loan Program at Canadian Red Cross she could borrow a bath chair at no cost which she described as an ‘unexpected and life-changing discovery’.
For many attendees, the event was not just about learning new information, it was about courage and connection. One participant who shared she felt too shy to join a Zumba class was encouraged by an Impact North Shore staff member to give it a try. After the session, she returned to the main hall with a bright smile, sharing how much she enjoyed the experience and her plans to join future classes.
Others found meaningful professional and personal connections. A participant who had been a midwife in Iran said meeting staff from Vancouver Coastal Health gave her a starting point to explore volunteer or career opportunities in the local health sector. Several participants told us that they were able to book BC Cancer screening appointments on the spot, an important step they may not have taken otherwise.
Among the many stories of impact was that of a Ukrainian newcomer who, with the help of Impact North Shore staff, connected with multiple organizations offering health and wellbeing resources. She later shared that the Health Fair helped her feel not only informed, but also more at home in Canada.
Collective Effort for Community Wellbeing
Impact North Shore’s 2025 client survey revealed that 42% of local newcomers lack access to reliable health care information, underscoring the importance of events like this. The Health and Wellbeing Fair was a reminder that health is not just about access to care, it’s about inclusion, connection, and confidence.
Impact North Shore is proud to continue fostering collaboration among local partners to strengthen health and wellbeing across the North Shore.
