The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast
A Syrian refugee family of four is expected on the Sunshine Coast virtually any day now, according to one of the local churches helping to sponsor them.
“They’re in Jordan, awaiting transportation,” Christian Life Assembly Administrator Maria McMullen told the Local. “They’ve done their immigration requirements and their medicals, and have their documentation.”
Christian Life Assembly in Gibsons is involved in The Refugee Sponsorship Project, along with Crossroads Community Church in Sechelt and Sunshine Coast Welcoming Communities.
“The family is a mother and father and two daughters, a seven-year-old and a nine-year-old,” McMullen said.
The federal government is providing transportation to the West Coast as part of the effort to bring to Canada some 25,000 refugees fleeing the once prosperous Middle Eastern country, which has been torn apart by a five-year civil war. More than 250,000 people have been killed in the conflict and 11 million have been forced from their homes.
“One of our church members has a cottage where the family will be able to stay until we have permanent residence for them,” McMullen said. She added that a committee of the churches and Welcoming Communities are helping prepare for the family’s arrival.
Christian Life Assembly held a Valentines Dance Fundraiser for the refugees at the church Feb. 13.
The Refugee Sponsorship Project is hosting an art auction fundraiser at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery on Mar. 5 and 6. Auctioneer Ed Hill will conduct a live auction at the Gallery at 4pm on March 5. Bids on silent auction items will close at 4 pm Mar. 6.
If you would like to donate to the project, you can do so directly through either of the churches’ websites at clagibsons.com or crossroadssechelt.com. Those who want to volunteer can contact any of the organizations involved.
Rik Jespersen
