Community Refugee Committee News
On behalf of the St. James and Community Refugee Committee, Patrick O’Leary and Rebecca McTaggart (co-chairs) would like to express our sincere thanks for the generosity of those that came forward with donations. The response from parishioners, family and their friends verged on overwhelming. What was once a nearly empty 1,000 square foot storage space is now filled with furniture, furnishings, linens, kitchen items and clothing. You can see the pictures here.
Mahmoud, Asmaa and their children are now safely moved into the home they are renting in Shelburne, Ontario. The children have started school and the family is beginning to feel more settled.
Adham was the last of the workers hired by Ice River Springs. He has temporary accommodation and is looking for something more permanent in the Shelburne/Feversham area. Once he does, we will offer him furniture to set up his new home.
The committee received a call for help from the Anglican United Refugee Alliance (AURA). They are the Sponsorship Agreement Holder for the Diocese of Toronto and the St. James Committee is a constituent group linked to AURA. An Eritrean family that fled to Israel arrived in Toronto in early April. The sofa that had been donated to them had to be disposed as it was infested with bedbugs. Rebecca took Efram (the adult male) to the storage facility so that he could take photos of the sofas from which to choose to show his wife Netsanet. They were in need of other furniture as well. They have chosen several items including a sofa that will be delivered in early July. Efram expressed his gratitude for the kindness in helping his family settle in their apartment in East York. If you can imagine, this family of 5 – father, mother and children ages 7, 11 and 13 – waited 14.5 years to come to Canada.
The committee is working with AURA toward submitting a sponsorship application in the summer with hope that the family will arrive within 4-6 months. If you are interested in becoming a member of the committee, please contact Rebecca at rlmct@bell.net or Patrick at pjoleary36@gmail.com.
Again, on behalf of the committee and the newcomers that we have supported, thank you.
