Kincardine could be welcoming refugee families by the spring, says committee

Kincardine could be welcoming two refugee families by this spring.

That's the word from refugee committee spokesman Andy Burgess during his presentation to Kincardine council last night (Jan. 13).

Burgess was joined by committee treasurer Carole Enright, volunteer co-ordinator Judy Watt, steering committee convener Rev. Kathy Fraser of Knox Presbyterian Church in Kincardine, volunteer driver co-ordinator Bette Tusz, and clothing convener Jackie Clements.

Outlining the work of the committee, to date, Burgess said that Fraser was the founding guide of the initial idea, and developed it into a community project. Working with the Presbyterian Church, are representatives from the Kincardine United Church, St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Pine River United Church, Kincardine Baptist Church, the Kincardine Islamic Centre, and community partners.

Applications are being drawn up to bring a family of four and a family of six to the Kincardine area. The deadline is Jan. 31, and Burgess said the refugees should arrive within two to three months.

"The applications will be made under the Blended Visa Office Program," he said. "The federal government has already approved the Presbyterian Church of Canada for this program." 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.

So far, the refugee committee has raised $46,240 in donations and pledges, said Burgess. "This incredible community support means we can sponsor two families. We have a great depth of experience on this committee, and the huge response from the community indicates we could do this long-term."

He said people have offered to help in so many areas, such as storage at Bob Krupp's building to hold donations of clothing; accommodation and housing; English as a Second Language to assist with the language barrier; 23 volunteer drivers to transport the refugees; a health committee; furniture and household effects; and a group to assist the refugees in getting settled.

Burgess said there have been a couple of negative comments and an anonymous letter against bringing refugees to Kincardine, "but the community is ready to step up and participate and welcome these families."

He urged council and the public to check the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/714962285271698. Or, for more information, E-mail kincardine.refugee@gmail.com; or phone 519-396-2311. 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.

"So, these are not just Syrian refugees (coming to Kincardine)?" asked councillor Laura Haight.

"Not necessarily from Syria," said Burgess, "but we would get the family size we requested, from any origin - any Middle Eastern displaced person."

"We are a welcoming community," said mayor Anne Eadie. "This is an excellent program; congratulations to all involved. I'm proud of the Municipality of Kincardine and the refugee committee for taking this on."



Making a presentation to Kincardine council last night (Jan. 13), are members of the Kincardine Refugee Committee, from left, Carole Enright, Andy Burgess, Judy Watt, Rev. Kathy Fraser and Bette Tusz; absent, is Jackie Clements