Immigrant volunteers provide a safety net to help newcomers navigate life in Canada

Immigrant volunteers play a vital role in helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada, offering emotional support and practical assistance during critical moments. Leny Rose Simbre, a Filipino immigrant living in Toronto, recently helped a friend from her community navigate a difficult medical situation. During a routine checkup, her companion received alarming news about precancerous cells in her body. With no family nearby and limited knowledge of the healthcare system, the woman was overwhelmed and unable to communicate effectively. Ms. Simbre, acting as a translator and advocate, ensured her friend understood the diagnosis and followed through with necessary treatment. Ms. Simbre, 46, has been supporting immigrants from the Philippines since 2012, providing guidance on health care, labor rights and legal matters. She does so through formal organizations like Migrante Ontario and Kababayan Multicultural Centre, as well as through informal networks built on trust and shared experience. Having arrived in Canada in 2007 as a live-in caregiver, she now works as a research assistant at the York Centre for Asian Research while serving on the board of Kababayan. Her work has made her a familiar face in her community, often seen moving between clinics, consulates and other essential services. During the May medical appointment, Ms. Simbre acted as the intermediary between her friend and the doctor. The patient, referred to as "Ate" in Tagalog, a term of respect meaning "older woman" or "sister", was visibly shaken by the results of her colposcopy. The test revealed abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. Despite knowing some English, the patient struggled to process the information. Ms. Simbre translated the doctor's explanation and reassured her that they would take things step by step. She emphasized that her friend was not alone, reinforcing a sense of security and belonging. Two weeks later, the patient underwent a minor procedure to remove the precancerous cells. Ms. Simbre accompanied her to the hospital, waited for the surgery to conclude and remained with her afterward. She described the experience as a moment of solidarity, noting that her friend felt supported throughout the process. "At least she knows that someone is with her," she said in a mix of Tagalog and English, known as Taglish. For Ms. Simbre, her role goes beyond mere translation. She views herself as part of a broader network of individuals who share similar experiences, immigrants who have settled in Canada and now serve as guides for others. As a single mother with few relatives in the country, she finds purpose in helping those who, like her, feel isolated and disconnected from their roots. Her efforts have earned her recognition within the Filipino community, where she is often sought out for advice and support. Her work highlights the importance of informal networks in immigrant communities. These connections, formed through personal relationships rather than institutional channels, offer a level of comfort and familiarity that official programs may struggle to replicate. Word of mouth ensures that those in need can reach out to trusted figures who understand their challenges. This dynamic is particularly crucial for individuals facing language barriers, cultural differences and uncertainty about navigating a new healthcare system. Ms. Simbre continues to dedicate her time to helping others, often juggling multiple responsibilities. Her schedule is packed with visits to clinics, meetings with officials and interactions with those in need. She describes herself as the person people turn to when they require assistance. Her commitment reflects a growing trend among immigrant volunteers who recognize the value of mutual aid in building stronger, more resilient communities.