An update from the Timmins Refugee Sponsorship Committee (TRSC) Chair Tom Baby.

He says in a release that a Syrian family of five—including three children—will be making Timmins their home “sometime this month.”

He says their group has been waiting for this for over a year after applying to sponsor a family.

“Despite all of the delays we’re incredibly excited to finally meet our family,” says TRSC Chair Tom Baby. “Our group and the community have been waiting for over a year to resettle a Syrian refugee family. To date, tens of thousands of Syrian refugees have made their way to communities across Canada. Timmins can now proudly say that we’ve played a small part in the midst of the worst humanitarian crisis since the end of the Second World War. This would not be possible without the generous financial, in-kind and volunteer assistance from our community.”

Upon notification, the TRSC immediately secured accommodation and began to furnish an apartment with items generously donated by community members. Volunteers will now switch from planning to executing their settlement plan, which includes every aspect of refugee resettlement from employment, to medical appointments, to training in English as a second language.

“This is where the rubber meets the road,” he added.

“We’ve been preparing for the arrival of a refugee family for a long time and now it’s time to really get to work—and by no means is it going to be easy. Much will depend on the family itself and how much assistance they need or want. Luckily, we have a dedicated group of volunteers and a supportive community behind us to ensure that the family is successfully integrated into the community.”

The committee has collected over $90,000 from community donations, which is set for two families.

Baby says they can use some volunteers to help prepare the apartment and assisting the family when they arrive. Those interested will also need to pass a criminal background check.

If anyone is interested in volunteering their time or making further donations, please contact Tom Baby at the Timmins & District Multicultural Centre at 705-269-8622.

The group is fairly well-equipped in terms of furniture and housing items, but gift cards to various clothing stores, home improvement stores, gently used clothing and age-appropriate toys will be received with thanks.

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