Saint John YMCA puts out call for Welcome Team members to help refugees

The YMCA of Greater Saint John says there is an urgent need for Welcome Team members as more Syrian refugees continue to arrive in the port city.

The Welcome Teams interact with the families on a daily basis and assist them in various ways to help them adjust to their new lives in Canada.

Team member Brian Wheelock describes it as a bit of a mentoring role by helping with things such as banking and groceries.

“The things that we do with them are the normal things that all of us do from day to day, and they’re just starting to learn them in Canada,” he said.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "The things that we do with them are the normal things that all of us do from day to day, and they're just starting to learn them in Canada," he said.

Wheelock and his wife Anne are involved with five separate Syrian families.

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READ MORE: Syrian refugee family excited to begin new life in Saint John

The YMCA said about 300 Syrian refugees from more than 65 families have arrived in Saint John.

The organization said more are expected and that underscores the need for more Welcome Team members, because there are no teams remaining.

“We are at the point where we really need more volunteers to step forward,” said CEO Shilo Boucher. “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to really work with a family.”

The Wheelocks said the process has been further streamlined since they started and people shouldn’t fear being overwhelmed.

“Most teams are maybe four or five people and they they just juggle it and if they can’t manage something they call the Y,” Wheelock said. “The Y will help.”

The Al Naser family, speaking through interpreter Samir Cheriai, said the team members have been invaluable.

“If our team leaves us we will get lost,” said Muneer Al Naser. “We are really glad to have a team like our team to help us.”

They are among those grateful to have settled in Canada.

“They got the message that Canadians are very nice people and welcoming people, but once they got here they saw even more than that,” said Amal Al Naser.

Wheelock said it’s been one of the most emotionally rewarding things he’s done.

“I think the emotional experience of being able to help people is really what’s in it for me,” he said.

“That’s what keeps me smiling no matter how rushed it gets.”