Winter weather can be tough, especially if you're a refugee from a tropical country and you've never seen snow.

So WinterKids, the Portland-based non-profit that promotes healthy outdoor activities for children during the cold-weather months, is extending a helping hand this Saturday via the second of its 2007 "Welcome to Winter" events.

This one will be held in Lewiston from 1-3 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Center, 145 Birch Street (a slapshot from the Lewiston Maineiacs' arena).

WinterKids' "Welcome to Winter" provides a helping hand to immigrant and refugee families in Maine. Winter challenges these populations. A cold climate, a new culture and unfamiliarity with recreation opportunities may keep people cooped up indoors during Maine's longest season.

A helping hand for Maine's refugee and immigrant populations -- and help for the feet, too -- is the theme of the "Welcome to Winter" event slated for this Saturday in Lewiston
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

Many immigrant and refugee families are experiencing winter for the first time and need assistance to help them learn how to properly cope with Maine's cold, snow and ice -- and also how to have winter fun!

WMTW meteorologist Tom Chisholm will serve as emcee.

Snowshoe demonstrations will provide help for the feet too!

Other events include Klondike sled races and a form of Oriental ice-walking. Participants can build snowmen and snow-women and decorate them in multi-cultural styles.

Participating sponsors include Hannaford Supermarkets and L.L. Bean. WinterKids is also helped out mightily by TD Banknorth, Weight Watchers of Maine and Healthy Maine Partnerships.

An immigrant woman shows how to bundle up for Maine's cold weather at January's "Welcome to Winter" event, which was held in Portland

Hannaford Supermarkets will provide snacks and hot chocolate, and the
Catholic Charities SEARCH Program will provide hats and mittens free of
charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Complimentary winter socks
will also be available.

All local immigrant and refugee families from the Lewiston-Auburn area are invited to attend this free event.

For additional information, residents may contact either the Lewiston
Recreation Department at 782-5951; TTY/TDD: 784-5999 or the Auburn
Recreation Department at 784-0191.

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