TORONTO — Three-time World Champion figure skater Elvis Stojko recently teamed up with Second Cup Coffee Co. to host a special Welcome to Canada Skating and Hot Chocolate Party to raise money for Syrian refugees.
“As a child of immigrant parents, I understand the importance of events like this to help newcomers feel like they’re part of the Canadian community,” says Stojko. “Skating and hot chocolate are at the core of the Canadian psyche and I’m so thrilled to be a part of this exciting event and help many of these new Canadians experience both for the first time.”
Alix Box, president and CEO of The Second Cup Ltd. and Ibrahim Absiye, executive director of CultureLink, a settlement organization in Toronto that focuses on developing and delivering programs and services to more than 16,000 newcomers annually, welcomed guests to the free skating event, held at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. More than 100 new Canadians were treated to free skate rentals, skate lessons and Second Cup hot chocolate and cookies.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Second Cup Coffee Co. for this event,” says Absiye. “So many of the new Canadians we work with are excited to try ice skating because it’s such a key part of being Canadian. This event will help them experience the tradition of a Canadian winter while enjoying the welcoming spirit of Torontonians, including a Canadian Olympian.”
