The community of Stonewall created a welcoming experience for a health-care worker and her husband who recently arrived from the Philippines.
Clarissa Lizarondo came to Canada in February as a participant in the Philippines recruitment initiative, along with her husband Dexter.
For Lizarondo, it’s a dream come true to live and work in Manitoba.
“Manitoba has a thriving economy with many job opportunities in various sectors and has a lower cost of living,” she said. “Also, Manitoba offers a high quality of life with clean air, safe communities, easy access to nature, high quality education and excellent health-care services.”
In the Philippines, Lizarondo worked as a staff nurse in a primary hospital. Here in Manitoba, she’s working as a health-care aide at Stonewall hospital.
“As part of the health-care team, it is a fulfilling feeling when you know that you have been part of someone’s wellness,” she says.
“It’s like a job well done feeling when you see your patients or clients being discharged from the hospital with a smile on their faces.”
She expressed appreciation for the community members and health-care team who welcomed them with open arms.
“Moving to a new place can be overwhelming, but with the support of community members and coworkers, our settling in Stonewall becomes a smoother transition,” she said.
“My husband and I feel the warm welcome from everyone. They are so generous and kind too. We received donations from different people — coworkers and community members.”
Kim Minnis, manager of health services at Stonewall and District Health Centre, commended everyone who helped make the Lizarondos feel welcome in their new environment.
“I can say that Clarissa’s coworkers rallied around her and Dexter from the moment they landed in their home in Stonewall. The desire to make sure that Clarissa had as many things that we could get for her and Dexter to feel comfortable is a proud moment,” Minnis said.
“Then when the community of Stonewall came together was a moment that made us all feel proud —and happy to know that not only will this family be supported in her new place of work but also in the community.”
For example, on the day the Lizarondos moved into their home in Stonewall, a local couple dropped off a large amount of household donations since they were also moving to another home. The local couple told the Lizarondos that they had read in the Stonewall Teulon Tribune newspaper about the need for donations for newcomer health-care workers in the community.
“I could say that we are in good hands. In terms of work, my coworkers and even my manager genuinely helped and guided me with my adjustments,” Lizarondo said.
“The thing I am looking forward to the most about working in Manitoba is the strong sense of community and the welcoming nature of the people. Manitoba is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, which creates a positive work environment where collaboration and support are valued. Additionally, I believe working in Manitoba will enhance my knowledge and skills in the medical field.”
At the same time, it wasn’t an easy decision to move far away from the people who are dear to her heart.
“Though I’m going to miss being surrounded with our families, relatives, friends and my pets, I have to step out of my comfort zone to reach my dreams,” she said.
“My husband and I would like to take this opportunity to show how truly grateful we are to those who helped and supported us in this journey here in Manitoba.”
