Last month, we had the honour of working with the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to put on the Western Canada In-School Settlement Conference. This conference, the first of its kind, brought together school based settlement programs and 200 in-school settlement workers from across Western Canada to develop practical skills and tools, discuss common challenges and create innovative program ideas. Opportunities were provided for attendees to network and share their experiences and approaches so that they can continue to bridge the journey to Canadian life for the newcomer children, youth and families they serve each and every day.

When I was first approached by the Calgary Bridge Foundation, I knew I wanted to work on this project right away. My parents came to Canada as immigrants from Vietnam and it is thanks to organizations like the Calgary Bridge Foundation and the in-school settlement program that they were able to adapt and settle into their lives here in Canada. As an event planner and business owner, this was my opportunity to give back to a group of people that have made such an impact on my family's life in Canada. Organizations like the Calgary Bridge Foundation and their passionate staff and volunteers are the reason I was afforded the education and opportunities that I have had throughout my life.

Spark is honoured and proud to support the not for profit organizations that support our community. It is by working with organizations like the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth that our team can do our part in making the world a better place to live.

"Anh and her team helped us put together the inaugural Western Canada In-School Settlement Conference. With her guidance, the event was more successful than we could have hoped for! Anh was able to provide our team with excellent guidance and managed the needs of funders, program and administrative staff while keeping everyone on task and focused on the theme and goals of the Conference. Every step of the process was planned thoroughly to the most minute detail. She was readily available if we needed guidance and her immense role in the organization of the Conference was felt by the Programming Committee as well as by speakers, delegates and attendees of the Conference."
– Sarosh Rizvi, Conference Co-Chair, Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth