Eleven years ago, Hansen Yu first connected with MOSAIC as a newcomer, joining an English conversation circle through the Newcomers and Community Building Program (NCBP). What began as a step toward settling into life in Canada grew into something much more meaningful.
Inspired by the support and sense of belonging he experienced, Hansen chose to give back. Over the past eight years, he has volunteered with MOSAIC, contributing his time, energy, and care to support others on their own journeys.
Through his volunteer work, Hansen has not only stayed connected to the community but has also witnessed firsthand the impact of MOSAIC’s programs and initiatives. In this reflection, he shares his personal journey, along with his perspective on how community, connection, and collective effort can create lasting change.
(You can also read the reflection in Hansen’s handwriting version.)
The Powerful Social Impact of MOSAIC – A Volunteer Perspective
Looking back on my journey as a newcomer to Canada, I feel deeply grateful for the guidance, support, and warmth I have received from MOSAIC over the years.
About 11 years ago, my wife and I attended a MOSAIC NCBP English conversation circle for the first time. From the very beginning, we experienced the warm care and encouragement of staff members from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as the dedicated guidance of volunteer instructors. Through these meaningful interactions, we gradually came to see MOSAIC as a true multicultural family. We were deeply touched by its inclusive and diverse spirit.
Inspired by this experience, I felt a strong desire to give back to the Canadian community. Later, I asked myself: if they can help newcomers like me, why can’t I do the same? I soon decided to volunteer with MOSAIC, and I have now been serving for over eight years.
My work is very simple. I mostly help with small supportive tasks. But I believe something important: there is no small role in community service. Every contribution counts. Through volunteering, I not only help others, but I also help myself – I stay active, I keep learning, and I feel connected to the community. For me, volunteering is also a way to keep my brain active and my life meaningful.
Hansen volunteering at Multicultural Seniors Day 2025.
I especially enjoy meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. Canada is a multicultural country, and MOSAIC is a beautiful example of that diversity. Every conversation is a chance to learn something new.
Volunteering also gives me a sense of purpose. Even a small action, like giving directions, helping organize activities, or simply welcoming someone, can make a difference.
This long-term involvement has greatly helped me become familiar with community resources, adapt to local life, build connections with people from different ethnic backgrounds, and steadily integrate into Canadian multicultural society.
More importantly, through my years of volunteering, I have personally witnessed the strong social impact MOSAIC has made through its many programs and community initiatives.
The Immigrant Professionals Conference (IPC) empowers internationally trained professionals to rebuild their careers in Canada. It enhances professional confidence, networking capacity, and leadership readiness. The conference reduces underemployment among skilled immigrants. Its broader social impact lies in better utilizing global talent within Canadian society.
The Annual Job Fair organized by MOSAIC plays a vital role in promoting economic integration for newcomers. It connects job seekers directly with employers and reduces barriers to employment. The event strengthens partnerships between immigrant communities and the labour market. By creating equal access to opportunities, it supports long-term social and economic inclusion.
The Newcomers and Community Building Program (NCBP) supports newcomers in their settlement journey and daily integration. It helps them access essential services, language resources, and community networks. By reducing isolation and uncertainty, it builds social stability. The program strengthens the foundation for successful long-term integration.
The Annual Multicultural Seniors Day celebrates diversity and strengthens community belonging among immigrant seniors. It reduces social isolation and promotes dignity in aging. The event highlights seniors’ cultural contributions and leadership. Its impact fosters respect, inclusion, and intergenerational understanding.
The Social and Civic Opportunities: Pathways to Equity (SCOPE) program increases civic participation among racialized and immigrant communities. It prepares participants for leadership roles on boards and committees. By promoting representation and equity, it helps diversify decision-making spaces. Its impact contributes to a more inclusive and democratic society.
The Visionary Leadership and Community Engagement Conference promotes inclusive leadership and civic participation. It creates dialogue on equity, diversity, and community responsibility. By encouraging collaboration among leaders and newcomers, it strengthens social cohesion, and its impact extends to shaping more inclusive community policies and practices.
MOSAIC Engage demonstrates strong social impact by fostering inclusion, connection, and active participation in the community. Through language practice, volunteering opportunities, and multicultural activities, the program helps newcomers build confidence, improve communication skills, and develop meaningful social networks. At the same time, it promotes cross-cultural understanding and encourages civic engagement. From a volunteer’s perspective, MOSAIC Engage is not only a platform of service, but also a bridge that connects people with diverse backgrounds and strengthens the spirit of an inclusive society.
Overall, through a wide variety of programs and community initiatives, MOSAIC has demonstrated its profound social impact. These programs and activities support newcomers in finding employment, rebuilding professional careers, strengthening leadership skills, engaging in civic life, building community connections, and celebrating cultural diversity across generations. Together, they reduce barriers, promote inclusion, empower individuals, and strengthen social cohesion in our communities. Through practical support and visionary leadership, MOSAIC continues to build a more equitable and compassionate society.
On this special 50th anniversary, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to MOSAIC, and I sincerely thank all staff members for their hard work and commitment.
In Chinese culture, we have a saying: “At 50, one understands heaven’s calling.” This “heaven’s calling” refers to the harmony between heaven’s will and the will of the people.
With such alignment of purpose and public trust, MOSAIC‘s future will surely be even brighter, its impact even greater, and its journey even more meaningful.
