Funds, donations and needed items have been pouring in for Innisfail's first confirmed Syrian refugee family, sponsored by Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.
To date a total of $25,000 has been raised and donated items of furniture, clothing and household items have been collected in preparation for the arrival of the Kahwate family, expected later this year.
“There's no (further) word on an arrival date. Our final papers have just finally been signed,” said Virginia Ritson-Bennett of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. “We had to wait for the papers to come back from the (Syrian) family. The papers then went to Catholic Social Services in Edmonton and they forwarded them to us.”
Ritson-Bennett said they've had a very positive response to their fundraising and organizational efforts for the Syrian refugee family.
“The first matching donation was for $5,000 and that was reached quite quickly. Then we had another parishioner who offered another $5,000 for another matching (donation),” said Ritson-Bennett. “We've even had donations from people within the community.”
Donations of cash and household items have come in over the past few weeks, she noted, but there are several items still needed, including a microwave, bedding, and new pillows “We had to collect furniture for a complete household,” she said.
The family, Sobhe and Mirna Kahwate, both in their early 30s, come from Aleppo, Syria and will arrive in Innisfail with their two young children, a two-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl.
Both are educated, having completed high school and have several years of work experience. He has worked in repair and installations for central heating systems, while she has worked as a beautician. Both Sobhe and Mirna speak some English as well.
Ritson-Bennett noted the generosity of both parishioners and members of the public in helping the Kahwate family.
“We had no idea we'd be able to collect that amount (of donations) so quickly. It's certainly a very good start,” said Ritson-Bennett, noting that the amount of money raised covers just basic living expenses and more will be needed. “We're hoping people come forward with a bit more money to help this family, and there's still time to do that.”
For more information or to donate to the Kahwate family, contact Virginia Ritson-Bennett at 403-227-3247.
Virginia Ritson-Bennett
"We had no idea we'd be able to collect that amount (of donations) so quickly. It's certainly a very good start."
