The Immigrant Fiat 500

The North American continent has been for centuries now the Promised Land for millions of people that were born on other continents. The process that started with the settlers hundreds of years ago continues to this day, thousands of people still seeking a better life in the US or Canada each year.

Set up at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Canadian Museum of Immigration has been for years a reference to the people (and their reasons) for arriving in Canada in search of a second life. In all, the pier where the museum has been erected has seen, since 1928 and until 1971 (the period when it functioned as an ocean liner terminal and immigration shed), a total of 1 million people setting foot in Nova Scotia, with no plans to leave ever again.

Despite its glorious past, Pier 21 experiences now the same financial difficulties as everybody else. In an effort to help preserve the site, and as an immigrant itself, Italian manufacturer Fiat decided to lend a hand.

During the Welcome to Canada Festa held in Etobicoke at Holy Angels Reception Hall on Friday, Fiat donated a 2012 Fiat 500 to the museum, to be auctioned and help raise the funds needed to keep the museum as it is.

“Chrysler Canada has a long history of supporting Pier 21 and deservedly so, as roughly 1 in 5 Canadian families have an association with this historic landmark”, said Reid Bigland Chrysler Canada CEO.

“By donating a brand new Fiat 500 we not only raise valuable funds for Pier 21, but also help to symbolize Fiat’s return to Canada.”