The Okotoks RCMP, Fire Services and the Foothills Community Immigrant Services all teamed up to create a presentation created specifically for the Filipino community of Okotoks and the M.D. Foothills on Saturday.

Nancy Risdon with F.C.I.S says Filipinos make up a majority of immigrants in Okotoks, and that's one reason they targeted the New Comers to Canada Presentation to a specific culture.

"They're one of the largest cultural groups that we have in Okotoks and this is something new that we're trying. We haven't targeted specific cultural groups for presentations before, this is the first time we're doing it. The reason why is because we're going to be providing translated information for participants to take away."

Moving to Canada from another country can be a huge adjustment in a lot of ways, but the language barrier is one of the biggest obstacles for new comers.

Risdon shares that's why they had a Tagalog interpreter at the event.

"We also had an interpreter there to ensure that they understand everything that is being talked about, and that they can speak freely in their own language and receive answers to their questions that they'll fully understand."

The R.C.M.P, O.F.D and F.C.I.S hope to make this a regular thing in the future with the ability to target other cultures.

Risdon says it was a brilliant idea that came from one of our own 'boys in blue.'

"This was suggested and kind of instigated by the Okotoks RCMP, which is fantastic." Risdon shares  "They've been such a great partner for us in the past couple of years. They really want to be involved with new comers and help them understand the police authority in Canada and that it could be different from where you're from."

Saturday's presentation was about fire safety, emergency preparedness and also touched on subjects like the purpose of municipal enforcement and what to do in natural disasters that the Foothills can experience.

The presentation included a potluck meal featuring foods from the Philippines.

You can keep an eye on more events like the New Comers to Canada Presentations, by following F.C.I.S' Facebook page.