The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stressed in Toronto the work of Diaspora organisations developing activities that contribute to the full integration and promotion of the quality of life of Azorean emigrants," namely those who are a situation or life stage where they need greater social and community support."
 
Rodrigo Oliveira spoke at the end of a visit to the Day Centre of Abrigo Centre, a non-profit social support organisation. He stressed the importance of "socialising spaces for Azorean emigrants that minimise the longing for home and their families. They also promote activities aimed at the well-being and occupation of retirees and elderly, being often developed with the contribution and work of many volunteers."
 
"Over the years, the Government of the Azores has devoted much of its actions on the support of communities, the establishment of partnerships and the implementation of projects for the promotion and full integration of Azorean emigrants," stressed Rodrigo Oliveira. He added that "the various social organisations that have emerged in the Diaspora played a role in welcoming and supporting thousands of immigrants that arrived in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s; their role has adapted the current needs of Azorean communities."
 
"This combination of efforts has been the pillar of our ongoing partnership and support to these institutions in Ontario and other Canadian provinces as well as in other countries, which, together, make up the International Network of Social Intervention Organisations; a network support by the Regional Government," said the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary also stressed that "we have the duty to recognise and honour the contribution of all generations of Azorean emigrants to the development and progress of Canada, especially here in the province of Ontario; their life paths dignify our people and bring prestige to the Azores of today."
 
The Abrigo Centre is a non-profit organisation that has played a vital role in the community of Toronto for more than a quarter century. It offers a wide range of services, such as counselling and support in many areas, and even includes a social day centre for the elderly with capacity for over one hundred people.
 
Its intervention in the community is the result of the support awarded by several departments of the Canadian Government and the Azorean Government, including the contribution and work of over 100 volunteers.