Emily Gillies and Barry Harris have heard the stories of Syrian refugees who have fled their war-torn country and are looking for a new home. And they want to do something about it.
They are two members of the Neighbours Helping Neighbours, a committee of nine people who want to bring Syrian refugees to Estevan. The committee is affiliated with the Southeast Rural Resource committee, and they have been meeting on a regular basis to advance their plans.
The Neighbours Helping Neighbours will host a meeting on March 22 at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, starting at 7 p.m. Not only will they provide an update on the work they have done so far, and their plans for the future, but they also want to find people who can help with the process of bringing refugees to Estevan.
“We know that there are a lot of resources in Estevan as far as housing availability,” Gillies said in an interview with Lifestyles. “We have English as a second language classes through the Southeast College, and have access to medical and educational services. We’re connected with Community Advocates for Employment for employment services.”
Neighbours Helping Neighbours has patterned their efforts after a similar group in Weyburn that has raised enough money to bring four families to that city. The first refugees are expected to arrive in Weyburn soon.
One of the Neighbours Helping Neighbours committee members is also part of the Weyburn committee, and has been a big help. The local committee has also been speaking regularly with their Weyburn counterparts.
“The one thing that we saw happening in Weyburn was that someone who had a law background had stepped up to help out with the application process, so one hurdle for us is to know it’s a bit of a daunting application process,” said Gillies. “You have everything arranged you need to arrange, and then communicate with the federal government to get on that list and be approved.”
The local committee had looked into getting government-sponsored refugees, but they weren’t able to be part of that process, so now they’re taking the private route.
The government’s commitment to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada has been fulfilled.
Gillies and Harris recognize it could take some time to bring the refugees to Estevan. They have some of the necessary funds already in place, and if they have enough interested people, they can continue with their fundraising efforts to make sure they have sufficient support.
They would also need to go through the application process, and finalize other details, such as living arrangements.
But it could also happen quickly, which is what has happened in Weyburn.
The federal government estimates that it costs $25,000 to $27,000 to bring a family of four Syrian refugees to Saskatchewan.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours has also looked at the possibility of bringing in the extended family members of refugees, so they would have to raise even more money.
“When the refugees arrive, every time in the articles they always say ‘Now we want to bring the rest of our family, whether it’s brothers, sisters or others, and they’re going to work to do that,” said Harris.
“My answer is maybe we should be looking at that first – bringing in the family unit or the grouping in, because they will tend to support themselves to a greater extend after they’re here.”
Southeast Newcomer Services has also voiced their support for the project. Gillies believes the growing number of newcomers in Estevan, and acceptance of people from other countries, will help the refugees settle in Estevan.
“We know that there are doctors and other people who speak Arabic and will help these people,” said Gillies.
Harris predicted that within most extended families there would be one or two people who speak English. Others might have been professionals in Syria, or they might bring skills or training applicable to a trade in Canada.
“Here our objective would be to work with them, to bring them up to a Canadian standard or certificate to make it easier for them to get a job,” said Harris.
Support has already started to come in. The Suburban Extended Stay Hotel has already said they would welcome refugees to stay there. The committee views that as a good situation due to the kitchenettes and other amenities found in the hotel’s rooms.
“We’re just seeking people who are personally motivated, as concerned citizens, to be able to help out other people in the world who are in need,” said Gillies.
Gillies knew she wanted to bring refugees to Estevan after she saw news footage and heard stories about refugee camps in Europe.
“It really spoke to me and it really broke my heart that there were families and children who were fleeing their homes, and just needed some stability,” said Gillies.
She recognizes it is a controversial topic, and some people aren’t receptive to bringing refugees to Estevan.
“There are some questions and fears around opening the doors to refugees on the federal level and on the local level, but that doesn’t deter me from thinking Estevan does have kind-hearted citizens who are willing to help financially with their time and talents,” she said.
Harris added that Estevan now has some housing inventory and an ability to handle refugees. And while they have the Suburban Extended Stay’s support, they would be thrilled if someone were to step forward with housing for refugees.
“We’re aware that Saskatoon has had 300 refugees in hotels at various times over the last while,” said Harris. “Unfortunately, when you’re just in a hotel room without kitchen facilities, you’re going to be forced to have the kind of food that we eat, which might not be their preference.”
Gillies and Harris believe the refugees will create a stronger country and a stronger city, as refugees often give back to the community where they reside.
Anyone who wants information on the meeting, or is interested in supporting Neighbours Helping Neighbours, can contact Gillies at 306-421-6162 or Harris at 306-421-1614.
