Quebec receives 50 000 immigrants each year. More than half (67,1%) are classified as economic immigrants. Within this group, 58,3% are qualified workers, 7,7% are business people and 1,0% hold other occupations. Aside from the business people, all newly arrived immigrants of this category will immediately begin looking for a job. As finding a job can be a fairly long process and money is sparse, newly arrived immigrants will be careful with the budget they earmark for installing themselves into their new surroundings. They will generally rent a small appartment and live precariously while waiting for better days.

The decision to immigrate requires a great amount of planning and organisation as well as psychological preparation. The immigrant will be leaving behind all that is known, her/his reality, job, past, parents, friends and work colleagues, in order to embark on an adventure into the unknown.....Her/His only motivation is hope, her/his only objective is to establish herself/himself within her/his new community and to achieve her/his dreams.

Findings indicate that, notwithstanding the efforts of the organisations that come to their aid, many of the needs of newly arrived immigrants are not met. Organisations are generally overwhelmed and do not have the necessary resources (human, material or financial). This is why we decided to create the Foundation in an attempt to meet those needs and accompany these newly arrived immigrants in their installation and integration into their new communities.

In order to avoid waste and the overwhelming use of raw materials, the Foundation promotes the recycling and reuse of domestic goods such as: furniture, electronic products and appliances, clothing, wood and metal based articles, etc.

Results :

• Improved living conditions of individuals in need;
• Participation in the protection of the environment.