Your life is busy enough after moving to a new community that you might not know where to look for the information you need for a smooth transition.
That’s where the Welcome Wagon hostesses come in, helping to simplify your need for knowledge about Ponoka with information about such vital services as the location of the recycle depot, the hours the municipal library is open, what doctors are accepting new patients and which beauty salon gives the best pedicure.
Operating in Canada since 1930, Welcome Wagon offers a basket of information and gifts or gift certificates from participating businesses.
Taking over in Ponoka from Violet Smith are Laurie Lovelace and Danna Hoeksma.
“I’ve been doing the community welcomes in Lacombe for a year and half now,” explained Lovelace, “so I’m taking over the community welcomes here as well.”
Hoeksma will help with the home visits and look after the Welcome Wagon baby program. Newcomers can call Welcome Wagon for a visit or be referred to either hostess by a welcoming neighbour, employer or clergy. Call Laurie Lovelace at 403-786-9987 or Danna Hoeksma at 403-783-8552.
“We welcome new people to the community and the area,” said Lovelace. “We do baby showers. Welcome parents and their new babies.
“We have some really great sponsors,” said Lovelace, including an insurance company, drugstores, a tax preparation firm, a days spa, beauty salons and the Ponoka News
Hoeksma said the Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce help to provide information on services and activities in the community.
“We just try to make newcomers welcome. We just want to make it easier for them to adjust.”
Welcome Wagon baby showers may feature guest speakers with information and demonstrations to help expectant moms at this special time. New moms will receive gifts and information from participating business and civic organizations. Moms-to-be receive a complimentary gift bag and can register.
“We’re looking forward to meeting the people in the community and all of the new businesses that want to come into the basket,” said Lovelace.
Lovelace used to work at Legacy Place and plans to visit soon and have lunch with the residents there.