By Rana Nelson
You’ve been reading about conditions in refugee camps, listening to commentary about the challenges in Europe, and watching footage of refugee boats arriving on beaches.
Last summer and fall, these accounts were mainly about the situation overseas, and now we also see and hear stories of refugees arriving in Canada to start a new life.
Local volunteer group Revelstoke for Refugees is working to help a family resettle in Revelstoke. We have raised almost $21,000 so far, just over one-third the way to our goal.
We will soon begin the application process for the family to arrive. We have also begun to collect in-kind donations, and Revelstoke Mini-Storage has generously provided a storage unit to hold these items until we can move them into accommodation for the family.
How can you help, you wonder? We have five answers to that question!
On Thursday, January 21, at 7 p.m., we are holding a fundraising evening, with six short films and three panelists, at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre.
Gudrun Malmqvist from Shuswap Settlement Services, and Brian Ayotte, chair of the umbrella group sponsoring refugee families in Salmon Arm, will talk about their work bringing eight families to that city.
Revelstoke’s Amanda Hathorn-Geary will speak about her recent experiences helping refugees who arrived on Greek beaches by boat. Local student groups will also be assisting in the lobby. Suggested donation is $5 at the door.
On Saturday, Jan. 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., visit the Revelstoke for Refugees (RFR) booth at the Carousel of Nations at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Sample some baklava, a traditional Mediterranean dessert, and try a refreshing Middle Eastern beverage. Learn about Syrian customs and chat with RFR volunteers to learn more about the project.
On Tuesday, Feb 9, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., come to Yoga for Refugees at the Revelstoke Community Centre. The class will be led by local yoga instructors Beth Purser, Erin Potter, and Karen Schneider, and is suitable for all levels.
If you’ve never been to a yoga class, this is the perfect time to try it! Follow along to the flow of the class or just have a nap and enjoy the energy of the room. We are excited to have beloved local musician Simon Hunt playing live music during this hour.
There will be some mats available, but please bring your own if you have one. Suggested donation is $10 at the door, with all proceeds going to RFR. Help us reach our goal of 100 participants!
Not able to attend our events? You can donate directly to the cause at the Visitor Info Centre or the Revelstoke Credit Union. Please make cheques payable to the Revelstoke Community Foundation/Syrian Refugee Project. You can also donate online (scroll down to the Canada Helps button. Please be advised that Canada Helps takes a small percentage of all donations to help cover administration costs.
If you have accommodation or services to offer, or would like to provide an in-kind donation — we will be needing furniture, clothing, school supplies, toys, etc. — please email for.refugees@gmail.com. To keep up with the latest refugee news, like our Facebook page, Revelstoke for Refugees.
If you’d like to get involved in a more hands-on capacity, contact us to sign up for helping the family when they arrive. They will need assistance in areas such as learning English, transportation, education, counselling, grocery shopping, health care, employment, and much more.
Revelstoke for Refugees is excited to welcome a family to our wonderful community and we appreciate all the help so far. With your continued support, we will achieve our goal!
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