Welcoming new residents

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

One thing that can make moving a little better is knowing you’re welcome in your new community. That is also part of the basis behind the Welcome Wagon. The Welcome Wagon in Strathmore has existed for a number of years, with Lesley Specht taking it over in 2008.
“We greet people undergoing lifestyle changes with a friendly visit, including moving to the neighbourhood, or expecting a baby,” said Specht.
“Welcome Wagon representatives like myself also personally recommend local, community-based businesses, for example grocery stores, beauty salons, drug stores, and hardware stores who offer gifts and services to the relocated consumer.”
The basket contains different coupons and gifts from local merchants and sponsors. Some of the items in a community basket are a to-go cup and gift card from Starbucks, a free pepperoni pizza and cheesy bread from Dominos, and Home Hardware has put a key in the basket, so that the new arrival can take it in and get a free key cut.
“It’s small stuff but it helps. It also gets you out there to take a look and see what’s in Strathmore,” said Specht.
“Anybody that is requiring a visit, my cards are at the town office. So when somebody moves into town and they go to find out about utilities and things like that, there’s a package there and a card in there with my phone number and email. Same with the baby calls, my cards are in at the Health Unit and they’re also going to be in Parent Link.”
Specht is always looking for more businesses to sponsor and be in the basket, and asks anyone interested in doing so to contact her at 403-902-0204, or contact her by e-mail at lspecht@shaw.ca.
People who are new to town, or have just had a baby and would like to get a Welcome Wagon basket are encouraged to call 1-844-299-2466 or e-mail info@welcomewagon.ca.