Refugee Committee

“I was a stranger and you took Me in”

Our Refugee Committee has welcomed three families from Syria and we are in the process of sponsoring another family who have fled their homeland because of war, famine or hatred.

The committee raises funds for rent, food, clothing, education as well as setting up a comfortable home-like dwelling for the refugees. 

Once the refugee persons have arrived in Canada, the Refugee Committee members, called the Settlement Committee, meet the refugees at the airport, transport them to their new dwelling, locate an interpreter if needed, help the refugees apply for health coverage, social insurance number, open a bank account, select a family physician and dentist, arrange for adult language training and school for the children. 

Several Refugee Committee members help with driving the refugees to appointments, shopping and some recreation and adjustment to Canadian ways.  Helping Refugees can be a challenge and it is also a very rewarding experience to see peace and safety enter their lives.

The spirit of gratitude, generosity and a desire to earn a living and be productive members of Canadian society is heart-warming. We are blessed to have a Refugee Committee with members from the Catholic Churches in Chatham working and praying together for others.

If you would like to make a financial donation to help with our next family, you can place a donation in the collection (with your name and address on it) or drop it off at either office.  All donations will be included in your yearly tax receipt.  Please make cheques payable to St. Agnes Parish.
 
If you wish to become a member of the Refugee Committee or would like more information, please contact Sr. Eleanor Gleeson at 519-354-5845 or email eleanor@kent.net.