January 10, 2016
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Because of the generous response of the community, the Kincardine Refugee Committee has decided to sponsor two refugee families instead of one.
The committee needed $17,000 to sponsor a family of four but has already received more than $46,000 in pledges and donations.
At a meeting Thursday evening, the committee reviewed its resources: $33,000 in cash, with $13,000 in pledges; the offer of three houses to lodge refugees; numerous offers of household goods, furniture and clothing.
The committee has hoped from the beginning that it would be able to bring in two families. With its current resources and the expectation of more money, decided to apply for a family of four and a family of six from the same country of origin. That way the families can be a source of mutual support.
The process will begin this week in hopes of having the application in by the end of the month, as originally planned. Once the federal government approves the application, it will forward the profiles of a number of refugee families to the committee from which to choose. The committee will select the two families it believes would be best suited for Kincardine.
Rev. Kathy Fraser of Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, a member of the steering committee, said Sunday that the committee is looking forward with anticipation to the arrival of the families and is thankful for the support of so many people.
The applications will be made under the Blended Visa Office Program. The federal government has already approved the Presbyterian Church of Canada for this program.
The refugee steering committee has representatives from Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine United Church, Pine River United Church, St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Kincardine Baptist Church, and the Kincardine Islamic Centre.
Under the Blended Visa Program, the committee pays $17,000 of the $27,000 needed to sponsor a family of four for a year. The federal government provides the other $10,000.
People who wish to donate can make cheques payable to: Knox Presbyterian Church – Refugees. They can be sent to: Knox Presbyterian Church, Attention Refugee Fund, 345 Durham St., Kincardine, On N2Z 1Y6.eople who want more information should E-mail kincardine.refugee@gmail.com; phone 519-396-2311; or check the website at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/714962285271698
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