ICA Stories
So many rich and wonderful stories come from our work to welcome and support newcomers, work alongside community, and to offer programs that help to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive place to call home.
Here we publish the stories that reflect the wonderful accomplishments, the struggles, and the contributions of those who have come to our community from afar, and those who have been here all along, working to make the Capital Region a great place to call home for everyone.
Please visit regularly to see new, informative and inspiring stories.
Feeling At Home in Victoria
Bob first landed in Edmonton in 2013 while Lathika took care of their children back home. Through Bob's work on cruise ships before moving in Canada, he had the chance to visit Victoria and believed it would be the best place to raise their two children.
Alan Yuen - Looking Back at ICA's 50 Years
The year was 1971. Underneath the soaring canopy of Crystal Gardens in downtown Victoria, Alan Yuen was helping set up a stall selling chow mein and fried rice to raise money for his local Chinatown Lion’s Club. On the other side of the event space, he couldn’t ignore the loud music and a few dozen people dancing.
ICA Hits the High Seas Again
After a thrilling trip in last fall, the ICA Youth and Family Services team set sail again while also helping to keep our oceans clean for future generations. On a blustery Monday morning, twenty-five youth, parents and volunteers gathered at Fisherman’s Wharf to set sail on Eagle Wing Tour’s sturdiest vessel, 4 Ever Wild.
ICA’s 2021 Diversity Scholarship Award Winners
ICA proudly presents the 2021 Diversity Scholarship award winners to one undergraduate, graduate, and one high school student. Thanks to the generous support from anonymous donors and the Canadian International Council, we are able to award $6,500 in scholarships this year.
30 Years of Language Instruction for Newcomers!
The year was 1991 and a small immigrant settlement agency won a contract to become Victoria’s hub for the Language Instruction for Newcomers in Canada (LINC) program. ICA now supports over 500 students in Victoria, the LINC program remains an essential part of ICA’s support to our newcomer community.
Racism in Greater Victoria: A Community Report Released
Through a strategic partnership with leaders in four primary community sectors, Governance, Healthcare, Education and Housing the GVLIP conducted its first community survey and consultation on racism.
Ghfran's Story
I came to Victoria in 2018 from Turkey with my three children while my husband, who was in Germany arrived here in 2019. We were separated for almost 4 years after we fled Syria due to the civil war there. I arrived in Canada thanks to my wonderful sponsors who welcomed me, provided support, and showed us beautiful places.
Connecting Hearts and Helping Hands in Nature
From the smell of damp sea air to the feel of seaweed sliding between your fingers, spending time near the ocean is a full sensory experience. Spending time in nature does wonders for our bodies and our mental health.
Giving Back Starts At Any Age
When Callie and Karina Allen (ages 8 and 10) and Lillia White (age 10) learned about the Ukraine war at school, they wanted to help.