The Innisfail Community Refugee Sponsorship Committee has been created and is working to bring a second Syrian refugee family to Innisfail.
The new committee came together last week during its first general meeting on Jan. 15 at Peace Lutheran Church in Innisfail. A total of 10 people from Innisfail and the surrounding area gathered to discuss details and logistics of sponsoring a Syrian refugee family.
“I think the meeting went very well. It was a group of very interested people that want to make a difference,” said Pat Bidart, vice-chair of the committee.
The group outlined areas to be considered, including the type of sponsorship, fundraising, delegating tasks and duties, housing, employment, community support and household setup.
Committee members brainstormed ideas and suggestions, and discussed steps needed to set a plan into action to help bring a Syrian refugee family to Innisfail.
One of those suggestions was to speak with the Town of Innisfail about its potential role and providing supports for the refugee family.
“I met with the town and was invited to an inter-agency meeting on January 21st,” said Bidart. “I went to that meeting to find out what are the kinds of transition services offered for Innisfail and I got some more information that will be helpful.”
She noted the town was receptive to the idea.
“They need to know what that role would be, but I think right now it's a bit early,” Bidart added.
One other area the committee touched on was how to introduce a refugee family to the town and its residents.
“One of the things we discussed a little bit is how to prepare the community for refugees,” said Bidart. “There'll be communication and information shared along the way so that people develop an understanding of the people that are coming here. We hope to have some information sessions on understanding refugees and understanding the country that people are coming from,” Bidart concluded.
The non-denominational committee is open to anyone interested in contributing and helping out.
The next meeting for the Community Refugee Sponsorship Committee is Feb. 1 at Peace Lutheran Church in Innisfail at 7 p.m.
Pat Bidart
"I think the meeting went very well. It was a group of very interested people that want to make a difference."
