While the world continues to watch a humanitarian crisis unfold halfway around the world, several groups in St. Albert are quietly working to help.
David Woloshyn, who heads the St. Albert Catholic Parish refugee committee, said a group of 30 people, mostly parish members, has met several times and is working to bring a Syrian family of up to six people to St. Albert.
“There’s a crisis happening, and as of September 2015 more than half of all Syrians have had to flee their homes,” he said. “There are 7.6 million people displaced within Syria, and then we have over four million people living as refugees in neighbouring countries. There’s a massive need.”
He explained that even with 30 people sharing the work, there’s a lot to do. There are subcommittees to handle communications, fundraising, housing, arrival and orientation, and collecting necessary items to stock a home.
Woloshyn said the cost of the process, depending on the size of the family, could be in the range of $35,000 to $50,000 based on the assumption that they will be supporting a family for a full year.
As for when the family may arrive, he said it’s too soon to say. First the Parish Council must approve the application, which will then go to the federal government via the national Roman Catholic Church, which is a refugee sponsorship agreement holder with the federal government.
When that process is completed, and the federal government lets the group know what size family will be coming and when, it will be a fairly quick turnaround to get everything in order: just two or three weeks.
But despite the work involved, and the significant cost, Woloshyn said there’s a firm belief among his group that this is the right thing to do.
“It’s a big endeavour, and it’s a lot of work,” he said. “But it’s God’s work. We’re helping a family in need from the other side of the world find safety, security, and a place to raise their family and build a future.”
Woloshyn said the Holy Family Catholic Parish has already sponsored and brought in two refugee families, but the Gazette was unable to reach anyone from that committee for comment.
Meanwhile, a group at the St. Albert United Church has a similar plan, but is a little earlier in its planning process.
Helen Arnott said she has worked to bring refugees to Canada in the past, and thought it was a good time to try to do so again.
“I would like to see St. Albert United Church as a sponsorship agreement holder, partnering with members of our St. Albert community,” she said. “They may or may not be Syrian refugees; of course that’s at the front of everybody’s mind right now.”
She explained the national United Church is a sponsorship agreement holder with the federal government, which would enable the city’s church to be able to bring in a refugee family as long as the church’s council approves the move.
They have so far had just one meeting on Jan. 19, but Arnott was encouraged by the initial attendance. Nearly 20 people came out to learn more and see how they could support the process.
“I think there are some people with very good intentions, and there are some very cautious people, and that’s as it should be,” she said.
While she has heard some concerns about the possibility that terrorists could get into Canada through the refugee program, those concerns don’t rank too highly based on her own experience.
Arnott explained she was born to Canadian parents in India during the Second World War, and around the evening supper table there were people of all faiths and no faith who nonetheless shared a common bond.
“I just grew up in a community that was diverse, full of good will, people helping other people,” she said.
Her own personal passion for this project comes from recognizing the privilege she has, while rejecting the notion she should feel guilty for it. Instead, she said she would put her talents to good use helping others in this way.
But, she cautioned, this is by no means something that happens overnight.
“Nothing’s happening instantly,” Arnott said. “This is a long-term process.”
The United Church group may also have some support from the St. Albert Host Lions Club. President Judy Evans said the Lions are currently in discussions about whether the club should support this process after a member suggested it.
She said initially she thought she might get involved personally, but then realized there’s a wealth of talent within her group that could potentially make the job easier – and the group is already geared toward serving others.
“It’s just something I thought we could do,” she explained.
Evans’ motivation, much like everyone else, is a desire to help make the world a better place.
“I just think if I was in that situation where I had to leave my home because it was being bombed, I would hope there was somebody on the other side of the world who would help me,” she said. “I’m just trying to put myself in their shoes.”
Any members of the public interested in helping out with either group are welcome to offer their support. Woloshyn can be reached through the St. Albert Parish office at 780-459-6691, while Arnott’s group has a second meeting scheduled at the St. Albert United Church Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
