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Given the five to 10 years for immiâ€" grants to be employed in positions commensurate with their foreign expeâ€" rience or qualifications, participation at an appropriate level is difficult. Thereâ€" fore, immigrants in this context are genâ€" erally underemployed. Continued from page 18 their full contribution in the provincial workforce. The local business sector, in partner ship with service agencies across Water loo Region, is assuming a signifieant leadership function on immigrant employment issues and integration within our community. Curves of Waterloo will be participatâ€" ing in the Curves food drive to benefit local food banks. Last year, it collected almost 11â€"milâ€" lion pounds of food for local communiâ€" ties all over the world. This year, Curves has set a goal to collect 15â€"million pounds. To celebrate the generosity of the community, Curves is offering a disâ€" counted service fee of $30 for any new member who brings in a bag of nonâ€" perishable groceries and commits to a 12â€"month CD membership between March 3 and March 15. Others wishing to donate may drop off nonâ€"perishable food items at Curves Monday through Friday during busiâ€" ness hours in March. This year‘s food drive includes a weekly theme; Week 1 â€" Empty Your Pantry of Healthy Staples; Week 2 â€" Foods From Around the World; Week 3 â€" Souper Suppers; Week 4: Family Friendly items including healthy snacks for kids and baby necessities. "The Curves food drive promotion is always exciting," said Marlene Lamp, the coâ€"owner of the Waterloo club. "We have a chance to help so many people at a time when the food banks are lowâ€" est." For information, call 519â€"884â€"9518 or 519â€"746â€"3222. Curves food drive in March Local groups launching mentoring program The Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network, or WRIEN, was formally launched in June 2006. It is comprised of a steering committee and four working groups that focus on qualâ€" ification recognition and enhancement, overcoming systemic employment barâ€" riers and supporting local employers on the hiring of immigrants. In the immediate and longerâ€"term pmcfadden@greaterkwchamber.com. future, workforce and human capital we» development will be significant issues Todd Letts is president and CEO and Art for our chamber and the business secâ€" Sinclair is director of economic tor across Ontario. development for the Greater Kitchener The integration of immigrants into Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, the local workforce will be critical for Ontario‘s largest accredited Chamber of our ongoing competitiveness and proâ€" Commerce. Vorsprung durch Technik www.crosbyaudi.com Two fantastic cars. Two low lease rates. One difficult choice. Audi A4 2.07T quattro® ductivity, and ensuring the full contriâ€" bution of all members of the communi ty to the prosperity of Waterloo Region. The WRIEN, in partnership with the YMCA‘s Cross Cultural and Community Services group; is developing a mentorâ€" ship program. Individuals interested in mentoring opportunities can contact WRIEN at 519â€"749â€"6033 or by email at pmcfadden@greaterkwchamber.com. WATERLOO CHRONICLE + Wednesday, February 20, 2008 + 19