The Welcoming Communities Refugee Committee is moving forward to sponsor a Syrian refugee family of three.
The new Syrian family, the second one that will make Innisfail its new home, is expected to arrive in town in three to four months. Last February, the first Syrian family arrived and has since firmly settled in town.
As for the new family, the committee recently decided to consider other options to bring Syrian refugees to Innisfail in light of lengthy government processing guidelines under the blended initiative (Blended Visa Office-Referred) program.
At a meeting on June 20, members decided on full private sponsorship of a Syrian family of three.
“We had indicated to Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) that we had decided to do 100 per cent private sponsorship and that we would sponsor a family of three,” said committee member Pastor Kathy Calkins. “Our group is leaning towards a single mother with two children because of the vulnerability of that kind of family, and also because we feel that Innisfail has a lot to offer in support of single mothers with young children,” she added.
Committee chair Erin Falk said they wanted to focus on a Syrian family that may have different needs.
“We decided as a group that we wanted to sponsor a family who had a unique situation and who may not be chosen (for sponsorship) by other groups,” said Falk.
The committee's top two choices for a refugee family include a single mother with two young boys and a husband and wife with a young daughter, who are currently separated.
Both of these Syrian refugee families have relatives living in Red Deer. Having that family support nearby is another factor committee members took into consideration.
“We were given a list by (CLWR) that has people and families that are already settled in the area who have connections to other family members that they'd like to bring in (to Canada),” explained Calkins. “The options we are looking at are people that have family and support in Red Deer.”
Calkins said they have confirmed to CLWR they will sponsor a family of three and will continue working towards completing all necessary requirements and will focus on fundraising efforts for the sponsorship.
“Now the paperwork process has to begin,” said Calkins. “The committee is excited to learn specifics and find out more about the family (that is chosen).”
Calkins noted that while the new family could arrive in three to four months, it could take up to a year before they arrive in town.
The Welcoming Communities committee is planning a couple of fundraisers this September, including a paint night at a local restaurant and a community-wide garage sale.
For more information visit Welcoming Communities on Facebook.
Pastor Kathy Calkins, committee member
"Our group is leaning towards a single mother with two children because of the vulnerability of that kind of family and also because we feel that Innisfail has a lot to offer in support of single mothers with young children."
