For Jerry Valencia Alerta and Honey Flores-Alerta, becoming Canadian citizens isn’t just another milestone — it’s the fulfilment of a dream years in the making.
The Morden couple recently took the oath of citizenship and will celebrate their first Canada Day as Canadians this week.
“It’s like a dream come true, a blessing,” Honey said. “We’ve waited for some time to be on this very moment.”
The couple arrived in southern Manitoba in late 2022 after previously living and working in the Middle East. While adapting to a new country came with challenges, they say the welcome they received in Morden and Winkler made the transition much easier.
“We feel so belonged to this community,” Honey said. “Canada is a very diverse community and very welcoming, especially people in this area. Morden and Winkler are really friendly.”
Small acts of kindness left a lasting impression
Among their earliest memories are neighbours and new friends offering rides to the grocery store while the couple worked toward getting their Manitoba driver’s licences.
“They would ask us if we needed to go to the grocery store,” Honey recalled. “They would help us out.”
Jerry said some people even took time off work to lend a hand.
“They are willing to take their leave just to help us out,” he said.
Those gestures convinced the couple they had found a place they could truly call home.
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Looking forward to giving back
Honey said becoming a citizen marks the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of their immigration journey.
“It is the start of being part of a wider community,” she said. “To help others and give back to the community that have helped you through the years.”
The couple hopes to support newcomers who may be facing the same challenges they once did, whether that’s providing transportation, offering advice or simply asking if someone needs help.
Jerry said he’s also looking forward to becoming even more involved in the community through volunteer work and filmmaking.
“I’m excited to help more Canada to improve, and then to support everyone,” he said.
First Canada Day as Canadians
As they prepare to celebrate July 1st for the first time as Canadian citizens, both say they have a new appreciation for what the day represents.
Honey hopes Canadians take time to celebrate not only the country, but also the diversity of the people who call it home.
“Celebrating Canada is celebrating each other as part of the community,” she said. “I can now proudly wave the flag of Canada as a Canadian citizen.”