Building Belonging in the Heart of Downtown
Featured in our Hello Neighbour series, meet Ahmad Majid — community builder, storyteller, and advocate for newcomers in Saskatoon.
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Saskatoon, you’ll find the Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS) — an organization that has long been a beacon of hope and belonging for newcomers to our city. At the helm of its Fund Development and Communications efforts is Ahmad Majid, whose personal and professional journey is deeply connected to this work.
Ahmad is a second-generation Iraqi-Canadian, and his passion for building community is rooted in lived experience.
“My family moved to Canada in 1990 and eventually settled in Moose Jaw,” he shares. “Seeing the struggles my parents faced trying to settle and integrate here had a huge impact on me — it shaped my perspective and inspired my mission of ‘building bridges.’”
That mission comes to life every day through his role at SODS, a cornerstone of Saskatoon’s downtown.
“Being here ensures our services are accessible — especially for newcomers who rely on public transit and need to connect with other community supports,” he explains. “It’s also a message: newcomers are welcome and valued in the heart of the city.”
The downtown location does more than offer convenience; it plays a role in shaping a newcomer’s first impression of Saskatoon.
“We want our clients to feel dignity and hope from day one,” Ahmad says. “Being downtown helps us foster those feelings.”
Looking ahead, Ahmad and the team at SODS have bold plans. One exciting initiative is the “Welcome Place” — an affordable housing project that will provide safe, stable homes for newcomers right in the city core. It’s a step toward SODS’s larger vision: not only offering settlement services but also leading the way in community building, economic inclusion, and civic engagement.
Ahmad also dreams of downtown evolving into an even more inclusive and vibrant neighbourhood.
“We’d love to see a walkable, culturally rich space where everyone — newcomers and long-time residents alike — feels at home. Imagine a downtown filled with diverse shops, public spaces, and housing options. That’s a city that reflects the global connections newcomers bring to Saskatoon.”
When he’s not hard at work, you’ll likely find Ahmad soaking up summer vibes downtown.
“I love the energy here in the warmer months — walking the riverfront trails, checking out street festivals, farmers’ markets, and cultural events. It’s a beautiful mix of creativity and community spirit.”
For Ahmad, Saskatoon isn’t just where he lives — it’s where his purpose thrives.
“This city balances the opportunity of a bigger centre with the warmth of a small town. People genuinely care. There’s a spirit of collaboration here that you can feel and that makes it home.”