Moving isn't always a bed of roses. Even after the boxes have been unpacked, finding services, such as the library, the right store or a perfect restaurant, can be difficult.
For 80 years, Welcome Wagon has helped people adjust to their new community by showing what it has to offer. Whether civic information, club directories, community services or free gifts offered by local businesses, Welcome Wagon brings it all to the doorstep in a basket, along with a friendly face.
"We're extending the hand of friendship," said Bonny Rossler, area manager for Welcome Wagon Saskatchewan, "We let people know where to find this and where to find that, and we're providing the city with a service by connecting people to resources in the community."
Along with the 80th anniversary, a big change has come to Welcome Wagon in the Battlefords. Joei Lewis, who has been the face welcoming newcomers to the area for the past 15 years, is hanging up her basket, as she moves on to new adventures.
It was, however, a hard decision to make.
"I absolutely loved every moment of it," she said.
Lewis said the community, as well as the way local businesses treat new residents, made her job easy.
"I was very happy and proud to promote the Battlefords. I believe it is a great place to live and raise a family."
Some of Lewis's favourite experiences with Welcome Wagon include experiencing a sweetgrass ceremony, trying European teas, sampling homemade sauerkraut and even welcoming a woman who raised hedgehogs. She said each visit was special and unique, as well as a learning experience.
There were funny moments as well; small pets seemed to love her basket.
"A couple of times I left the homes I was visiting and felt the basket was a little heavier than it should be, and opened it up, and there was a nice bright pair of eyes looking up at me."
Lewis has had gerbils, kittens and even rabbits crawl into her basket, much to her amusement.
"All in all, it was a great 15 years' experience," said Lewis. "I met people from all over the world that I wouldn't have met otherwise, and some have become my good friends as well."
Linda Anderson, who is the new Welcome Wagon representative, said she hopes to have the same great experience.
"I'm excited to get to know the Battlefords and the people here," said Anderson, who moved to North Battleford 18 months ago.
Anderson said she joined Welcome Wagon because she enjoyed the Welcome Wagon visit given to her when she was new to the community.
Anderson's first visit as a Welcome Wagon representative was to the home of a certain News-Optimist reporter. Her basket contained many goodies, such as a $20 gift certificate to Home Hardware, a $10 gift certificate to Venice House Restaurant, coupons for six muffins from the Scandinavian Bakery, a free pizza from 2 for 1 Family Pizza, a gift bag from Battefords Co-op, a meal at Tacotime and lots of other enticing offers. She also offered handy information books, such as a phone book, a community directory and a visitor's guide.
