Over the last week I’ve received many phone calls and emails from residents and groups across Kingston asking about what we can do as a community to respond to the Syrian refugee crisis. While this is certainly a national issue, in my view this is one of those times where we can think globally but act locally.
To do this, I am encouraging all Kingston residents to offer their support to a local organization called Save a Family from Syria. This local group has brought together several faith-based organizations to raise funds to sponsor the resettlement of Syrian families in Kingston. In 2014, the group raised $70,000 and successfully resettled a Syrian refugee family in Kingston and is expecting a second family at the end of September.
Additional funds are needed to sponsor more families in their move to Kingston. Every $40,000 raised by the community supports the settlement of a Syrian family in the Kingston community. Funds donated cover the costs of resettlement, living accommodations, clothing, medical attention and help to become employment-ready.
If you are interested in supporting this initiative you can contact Save a Family from Syria directly at info@saveafamilyfromsyria.org and to make a donation you can visit www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/fourriverspresbytery/
Kingston is a generous and welcoming community. Together we can provide a new start, new opportunities and a welcoming home for families in need of support!
Bryan