SUMMERLAND — The civil unrest in Syria has caused millions of people to flee their homes. The conflict may be far from the Okanagan, but it has touched many here. A church in Summerland has sponsored a refugee family and expecting their arrival any day now.
“We felt that our community has the spirit to support this family,” says Armound Houle, Summerland’s United Church Minister.
Churchgoer David Sparks was galvanized by the devastated country and brought up the idea of refugee sponsorship to his church 18 months ago.
That’s when local groups got on board, forming the Summerland United Refugee Sponsorship Group.
Now the group’s looking to the community for help to meet a fundraising goal of $18,000.
“The money is for things like rent, clothing and for initial setting up costs in a home, the sort of things that any family would have to do when they come with nothing to a new country,” says Sparks.
They are also looking for an appropriate rental suite for the family of five and making calls to find someone who speaks Arabic to help translate.
“I would like to challenge local community groups to look very seriously at doing exactly what we’re doing, ” says Sparks.
The UN Refugee Agency estimates there are about 9.6 million Syrians needing aid.
To help this refugee family, contact the United Church 250-494-1514 or summerlanduc@shaw.ca.
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