Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
The Syrian Ethnic dinner proved to be a huge success on March 19.
Over $8168.00 was raised including door sales, the silent auction, toonie-basket, cake walk and general donations.
“It’s amazing for a first fundraiser,” said Terri Karey, a member of the Syrian Refugee Group in Fort St. James.
Karey headed up the fundraising for the event and she is overwhelmed by all of the community support.
“We are getting there. We now have 30% of what we need.”
In order to sponsor a family, $27,000 needs to be raised before the sponsorship process can even begin.
The Syrian Refugee Group is in the process of opening an account where anyone can donate to the cause.
It is their hope that two Syrian families will make a new start in Fort St. James.
Once the funds are raised, it could take only 1-4 months before a family arrives.
The group is currently looking into housing costs, and budgeting.
About 25,000 refugees are set to arrive in Canada and Fort St. James is well on their way to being able to welcome a Syrian family a new home and new beginning in the community.
The Syrian Refugee group meets by-weekly. The next meeting will be on March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Fort St. James Library. All are welcome.