Matthew House to celebrate 25 years of welcoming newcomers to Canada

Matthew House Refugee Ministry will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Saturday with a cultural festival and dinner at the Leisureplex banquet hall.

Matthew House, located on Central Avenue, has supported newcomers to Canada since 2000, offering shelter, food and guidance. Organizers told Fort Erie Radio the anniversary celebration is a chance to honour both the community and former refugees who now contribute to the local community.

“It’s a special time in the history of the organization. We intend to celebrate the quarter of a century welcoming the nations,” said John Mtshede, executive director.

The festival begins with a 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. performance by Black Umfolosi International, an acclaimed Zimbabwean music group formed by former refugees. Afternoon admission costs $20 for adults with children admitted for free.

A dinner with music follows from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with admission set at $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. Attendance is expected to surpass 200 people.

“We have served more than 5,000 people from 72 different countries. We give them housing, we give them clothing, we give them food as they come into the country in our shelter,” said Mtshede.

Mtshede said the anniversary is also about recognizing partnerships with groups such as the Rotary Club of Fort Erie, Bridges Community Health Centre and Peninsula Plastics, which has hired many refugees.

“Yes, a person is a refugee when he comes into the country, but down the line, after two, three months, once the person has been accepted, he becomes a Canadian who is going to be contributing to the Canadian economy,” said Mtshede.

Matthew House offers temporary shelter and support to refugee claimants, asylum seekers and immigrants arriving in Canada, many of whom come from war-torn or impoverished countries and arrive without housing, legal representation or familiarity with local systems.

Staff help newcomers apply for legal aid, connect with immigration lawyers, register children for school and access health care.

A person who makes a refugee claim must go through the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to determine if they qualify for protection, a process that can take months or even years. During this period, claimants often need housing, food and assistance navigating work permits or social services, which Matthew House helps to provide.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Mtshede himself once stayed at Matthew House after being refused asylum in the United States. He later became executive director after the founders of the organization retired.

“What I experienced in America, I don’t want anybody to experience that. That’s why I’ve taken this mantle, so that I make sure people are given proper information and proper counselling,” said Mtshede.

Tickets are available to purchase at the Fort Erie Leisureplex.

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