The Neighbours Helping Neighbours charitable foundation that is spearheading a drive to bring at least a couple of Syrian refugee families to Estevan, is soliciting the support of local churches which could ease some red-tape issues that could be encountered in the process.
Emily Gilliss, who chaired the first two public meetings of the group said she has approached the Estevan Ministerial Association and explained the situation to them regarding the role they might play in the procedures.
She explained that a similar committee in Weyburn is using a local church organization to help them head up the application process for a private placement since the government-sponsored refugee commitment has been met.
“The churches can join together if they wish to make it happen. And doing the application process through them definitely makes it a smoother situation,” said Gilliss.
“I expect the pastors, priests and ministers will want to talk with their congregations and explain the situation and I expect to hear from them fairly soon, perhaps in the early part of May,” said Gilliss. “The churches have leadership teams I’m sure will know more about the situation and processes,” said Gilliss, adding that she has approached most, if not all of the Estevan and area church leaders, or at least got the message out to them.
“We may also speak with local organizations and service clubs to see what level of interest they might have,” said Gilliss.
“So, I expect by the end of May, we’ll have our responses and we can pursue the options that are available to give a few Syrian refugees a safe home,” she said, referring to the efforts started by Neighbours Helping Neighbours, that she helped revive along with co-chairman Barry Harris.
