Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
Members of the group along with Mayor Rob MacDougall, members of Nak’azdli Band and the principal of the high school, Craig Houghton were among those present.
The long anticipated raffle raised $5000 in total.
About $27,000 was required in order to begin the process of sponsorship and now the group is well over and ready to sponsor a Syrian family.
The sponsorship process is currently being run through the Central Mennonite Committee who has been providing continued support regarding sponsorship and all that is involved.
An application has already been sent and the group in Fort St. James is now eager to hear about families awaiting sponsorship.
Many Syrian refugees already have government sponsorship but are still waiting for an invitation in hope of a new beginning in a community such as Fort St. James.
The Central Mennonite Committee has also been providing ongoing training regarding Syrian culture, language and community obligations in anticipation of the family’s arrival.
Sub committees have also been formed in the following areas: education, employment, housing, medical/mobility, fundraising and transportation.
On Sept. 24, the Syrian Refugee Group held a raffle at Fort St. James Secondary School.For anyone who would still like to make a donation, they can do so at the Integris Credit Union in Fort St. James.
And the lucky raffle winners are:
1st prize: John Lam (Kayak)
2nd prize: James Waddell (Drone)
3rd prize: Chelsea Randall (Galaxy Tablet)
The Caledonia Courier continues to be a proud sponsor of the Syrian Refugee Group of Fort St. James.