2025 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors

Magdalene Cooman remembers her seven-hour flight to Canada in June 2003, filled with tears and a deep sense of uncertainty. She was navigating the pain of a broken marriage and the difficult decision to leave her three children (aged 6, 9 and 13) behind in Saint Lucia.

 In her despair, she surrendered to a higher power, asking for guidance as she felt incapable of making sound decisions after a series of personal setbacks.

“Looking back, I can only describe my first year as filled with unexpected blessings and what felt like pure miracles, and it all began with one remarkable woman: Jean Christie,” remembers Magdalene. “My own integration story would be drastically different, and significantly more challenging, without her selfless and unwavering support.”

A mutual friend in the Caribbean had had told her, “When you get to Canada, call Jean Christie. She will do anything she can to help you.”

Little did Magdalene know the extent of that promise. Within days of her arrival, facing unexpected housing instability, she reached out to Jean. Without hesitation, Jean invited her to meet for lunch, and their connection was immediate and profound.

During that lunch, Jean listened with incredible empathy as Magdalene shared her story. Jean was grieving the recent loss of her husband, creating an unspoken understanding between them.

“By the end of our conversation, this total stranger offered me a lifeline, a selfless act of kindness that remains priceless,” explains Magdalene. Jean said, “I have a big house, and I live alone. If you ever need a place to stay, you are always welcome to come to my home.”

That evening, Magdalene’s situation took a turn for the worse, and the next day, Jean was there to pick her up and move her into her home. “This temporary arrangement turned into an entire year of rent-free living, during which Jean ensured my well-being in every way imaginable,” explains Magdalene.

“Opening her home to me, a stranger, is not something that everyone would do, says Magdalene. “She took a huge burden away from me and I will always be grateful to her. The reciprocal trust that blossomed between us became a cornerstone of my early years in this new society.

This stability provided Magdalene with the safety and security so vital for navigating unfamiliar surroundings. “It allowed me to focus on rebuilding my life without the immediate and overwhelming pressure of securing housing,” explains Magdalene.

“I had a house with more space than I needed,” says Jean. “I’ve always liked having visitors in my home and after our first meeting, I knew Magdalene would be delightful company.”

Jean’s support went far beyond providing shelter and financial relief.

She introduced Magdalene to Franklyn Harvey (who has since passed away) who learned that she was uncertain about continuing her teaching career in Canada because of licensing requirements. He identified her experience in adult facilitation as a viable career path. Franklyn connected her with Dominique Dennery, who hired her as a consultant/facilitator for a government project and became a powerful career role model.

 Jean’s family welcomed Magdalene, inviting her to family gatherings and weekend getaways at the family cottage.

“She introduced me to many of her friends, which was instrumental in fostering my social integration,” adds Magdalene.

One such friend, Brenda, provided her with the opportunity to tutor Jimmy in English, a Ugandan boy recently adopted by a Canadian family. “Spending that summer teaching Jimmy was not only a source of income, but it also helped me to deal with my own grief at being separated from my children,” reflects Magdalene.

Jean introduced her to Maya, who took her to concerts and plays, and dinners at her house. Magdalene remembers fondly how Maya shared a lunch with her at her office, just before her passing.

Jean’s neighbours, Ron and Madeleine, helped Magdalene to move into her first apartment and completely furnished it.

“Throughout that challenging first year, Jean’s generosity allowed me to save the money I earned so I could eventually bring my children to Canada and build a stable foundation for our new life,” remarks Magdalene. “By the time my children arrived, we had a warm and welcoming home waiting for them, all thanks to the initial support from Jean.”

Magdalene remembers the joy Jean felt when her children arrived in Ottawa and her conscious effort to ensure they were adjusting well by offering guidance and support and playing a pivotal role in the family’s successful integration.

“Jean hosted us frequently, providing a second home to my children,” explains Magdalene. “She even gave us an annual family membership to the YMCA-YWCA, where my children made friends, joined clubs and developed a sense of belonging. When you see your children being happy, it makes you happy! My children affectionately call her Aunty Jean,” a testament to the deep and enduring familial bond we have formed over the years.”

Even 22 years later, their bond remains strong. Jean recently visited Magdalene for three weeks in Grenada where she is working as a volunteer with CUSO International. Jean had jokingly said that whenever she travels to the Caribbean, she hopes there will be a “granny flat” for her to visit her!

Magdalene will never forget how Jean’s selfless generosity, proactive connections within the community, and genuine care went above and beyond expectations. “Her story is a testament to the power of individual kindness, trust, and the vital importance of safety, security, and strong social networks in building a stronger, more welcoming community for all newcomers,” says Magdalene.

Jean has also volunteered helping newcomer job seekers and mentored racialized women at   World Skills Employment Centre and has also served as chair of the Board of Directors at Immigrant Women Services Ottawa.

Jean reflects on how she too gained from their friendship at a difficult time in her own life. “It worked both ways from the very beginning — having a new friend and young family for me,” explains Jean. “I was delighted to have Magdalene and her three kids become part of my life, as I was living in a big empty house alone.”

When Jean’s father passed away, Magdalene was there to help clear out his house.

Over the years, Jean went to the children’s graduations and celebrated their birthdays and holidays. She has also met many friends through Magdalene. “They were the perfect thing to happen to me at that point in my life,” she exclaims. “I was lucky they only moved a few blocks away!”

 “I’ve moved a lot, lived overseas, and I know that simple gestures to welcome newcomers can help to create the kind of place where we all want to live, where we don’t feel alone,” reflects Jean. “We are better as a community when we understand that differences are an asset.  If we could all just do the small things that make people feel they are part of a neighbourhood, we can create a city that is more welcoming. It can be as simple as learning your neighbour’s name and then stopping to chat.”

Magdalene promised herself that one day she would pay forward Jean’s kindness. And she did, by providing a young homeless man with a room to stay at her house.

“I think good things have a way of multiplying concludes Jean. “By creating opportunities so people can be more than their current circumstances allow, can really help to build community.”

Clearly both Jean and Magdalene share this value and together they ARE building community.