Prepping for refugees

Kate Bouey - INFO-TEL.CA Nov 23, 2015 / 5:00 am
Groups in the North Okanagan have banded together, ready to support Syrian and other refugees who may arrive in the region over the coming months. The Liberal government has pledged to take 25,000 Syrians out of refugee camps, possibly from Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, and airlift them to Canada before the end of the year. Faith groups, community organizations and local residents have created the North Okanagan Refugee Committee to support sponsorship and settlement of international refugees. It includes organizations that are already mobilizing to bring refugee families to the region, such as Armstrong Community Group, Trinity United Church, All Saints Anglican Church and East Hill Community Church. The committee was originally formed out of concern over the Syrian crisis in the Middle East but has expanded to include refugees from around the world, according to a report to Vernon city council from Carol Wutzke, executive director of Vernon and District Immigrant Services. “Our community has successfully supported many refugees over the years, including families from Kosovo who came to Vernon in the 1990s,” the report states. “Many of these families have stayed in the area and are working for local businesses, raising their children and giving back to our community.” A slick website has been launched which the group says will provide information to the community on the sponsorship process, a list of local sponsoring agencies, how to donate both locally and internationally, and where to sign up to volunteer once refugee families arrive.