Latest Update: We're excited to announce that both Syrian Refugee sponsored families have arrived to the Sunshine Coast and are on their way to settling into the community! So many volunteers have worked so hard to help bring them here and we want to thank all of you. If you would like to be involved or participate towards helping either of the families settle into their new home on the coast let us know by email clagibsonsoffice@gmail.com
The Initiative...
Christian Life Assembly Church is excited to announce our newest project! Together with Crossroads Community Church in Sechelt and Sunshine Coast Welcoming Communities, we are partnering to Sponsor a Syrian Refugee Family here to Canada. We're looking to also partner with organizations, local businesses, churches and our community on the Sunshine Coast asking them to come together to Privately Sponsor a Syrian Refugee Family through our established relationship with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Citizen Immigration Canada, and the Sunshine Coast Welcoming Communites. The response we've recieved from the community so far has been very encouraging. We're excited to take on this endeavor and hope that we can make a difference one family at a time! January 22nd 2016 we hosted an informational gathering on both the progress and future of the project. We were also able to introduce the family that will be coming to the Sunshine Coast! The turnout and support was wonderful and we'd like to say thank you to every one that came out for the evening. The Sponsorship Working Committee will continue to assemble all the information they received that night from everyone who signed up and will be contacting everyone soon.
The Sponsored Families...
At this point we are currently approved to bring two families to the Sunshine Coast! We have completed the application/approval process with Canada Immigration Services and are awaiting on their transportation details. Both families have had to flee from Syria and are temporarily living in Jordan. Our first sponsored family consists of a mother, father, and two beautiful active young girls (ages: 6 & 9 years old). Our second sponsored family consists of a mother and her son (age: 32 years old). At this point, with respect to the families and for security purposes, we are keeping further details private until they arrive in Canada.
How can you be involved?
If you feel that you would like to be involved in this project with us there are several ways you can participate that we've listed below....
-Volunteer with upcoming fundraisers (see our upcoming fundraiser events listed on the left)
-Volunteer with the family (i.e. support, socializing, help with ESL, driving, and more...click here for a volunteer application form)
-Donating services/items for the first 12 months once they arrive to help them initially settle into the community on the Sunshine Coast. This can be a great option for businesses!
-Donating household items/clothing/toys/and more that are new or in great condition to help the family set up their new home! Please call the numbers listed below if you have items you would like to donate:
If you live in Gibsons/Roberts Creek area.....Jim McGowan 604-885-7147
If you live in Sechelt/Davis Bay area and beyond.....Bill Norris 604-740-3932
-Consider a donation to the project to help raise the $25,000+ needed to support the family's living expenses for the year....(see below to securely donate online)
These are just some of the ways you can be involved and we'd love to hear your ideas if you feel you can help with the project!
If you are interested in participating in the project or would like more information please call either:
Christian Life Assembly office 604-886-7107
Crossroads Community office 604-741-7568
Click here to check out our Facebook page for updates, fundraisers, & latest articles
Listed below we have several informational guidlines, available to download, that explain the process and what is involved with privately sponsoring a Syrian Refugee family, including cultural differences, settlement steps, emergency responses and more. Please download and read the available information if you are participating as a volunteer with either of our sponsored families!