The community of Weyburn has come together to form the Weyburn Syrian Refugee Committee to help alleviate the refugee crisis, even in a small way.
The committee consists of 24 individuals representing a broad cross-section of the Weyburn community.
The committee is working with the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, a sponsorship agreement holder with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, to bring 14 Syrian refugees to settle in the community, including three families and a single young man.
The committee will be hosting an information meeting at McKenna Hall on Thursday, Feb. 18, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the project and the refugee families or wishing to help in their settlement is invited to attend.
“People can come out and ask the committee any questions they have,” said committee chair Don Horner, who noted that librarian Kam Teo will give a presentation for the meeting also.
“This will be an opportunity for people to say how they can help. We’ll need people who can help them go shopping or go to the bank, or by driving them to places as they won’t have a vehicle,” said Horner.
Meanwhile, the committee has been in touch with the sponsorship agreement holder to get as much information about the Syrian refugees as possible.
Horner noted that while initially they thought the first family might come by the end of February, they have now been informed it will be a month or more before the first family will arrive in Weyburn.
The first family has a farm background. The second family has two infant children and the third family has 12-year-old twin boys. The single man has a background in computer science and speaks some English.
In order to provide for the needs of the refugees the Committee is budgeting a cost of approximately $100,000. To date the committee has received donations of $45,000.
Those wishing to contribute and receive a charitable tax receipt can donate to Grace United Church or St. Vincent de Paul. Please make a note that the donation is for the Syrian Refugee Fund.
The committee has arranged for housing for the refugees and will be receiving donations of furniture and furnishings and clothing.
For furniture donations contact Grace United Church at 306-842-5131.
For donations of household effects, bedding and linens contact St. Vincent de Paul at 306-842-2129.
For donations of clothing contact the Weyburn Free Methodist Church at 306-842-3441.
For more information contact Don or Diane Horner at 306-842-2722.
