OUR REFUGEE EFFORT

We have sponsored two families in the last three years and we are in the process of sponsoring a third family who are arriving once the COVID-19 pandemic is over - that is our hope and prayer. It is a family of three with the youngest under a year old. They are Iranian, having escaped persecution, and now living in Turkey. They were being fast tracked to get to Canada after being approved by Canadian officials, but the COVID-19 put the whole process on hold. We rejoice in the fact that they have been given approval from the Canadian Embassy - this will ensure that they can stay in Turkey until they get to Canada - and not be returned to Iran where their lives are at risk.

A team has been established and any questions can be directed to the Team Lead, Joan Kroeger.   We invite you to participate by praying for this family - that they will be given their travel visas to come to Canada soon. 

We have now raised the funds required for the year of sponsorship. Thank you for giving to help this family!

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Become part of a team focused on different areas of responsibility

THE SPONSORSHIP TEAM

We have established a Sponsorship Team that will dedicated to fulfill the responsibilities of a sponsor group. To cover the key tasks described belown sub teams are being formed to help share the weight of the task.

  • Team Leader who will develop the lead team ensuring the effort moves forward with strength and purpose.
  • Money team overseeing costs and coaching the family as they set up home and household in Canada.
  • Housing and Maintenance Team who secure housing and ensure home is in good and ready.
  • Furnishings and Clothing Team who ensure the house is adequately equipped and that closets are filled with good canadian weather gear. 
  • Transportation Team ensuring that transportation of whatever sort is provided so that they can make their way to what is essential.
  • Homemaking and Social Team coaching and equipping the family in how to shop, cook, and participate in the community. 
  • Education Team who helps the family connect with and navigate through the local school systems.
  • Medical Team who help the family navigate our Canadian health system ensuring that they can access all the medical services provided.
  • Employment Team who help the family make steps toward employment in Canada.

If you are interested in being a part of this team, contact Joan Kroeger!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



ARE REFUGEES PROPERLY SCREENED?

There is an incredibly rigorous, time consuming and thorough process that all immigrants to Canada must go through. To begin with, this process includes checking against immigration, law enforcement and security databases as well as personal interviews with immigration officers. Screening for communicable diseases and developing medical files also happens before an application is moved forward. The Canadian government is very transparent about this process and several excellent articles have been written, including the following by the Toronto Star:

ARE YOU SELECTING REFUGEES BASED ON RELIGION?

Simply put, no. We are looking at the size of family we can support, seeking to understand their special and specific struggles, needs and culture, and preparing to provide the material and social support that will be needed throughout this process. Religion is not a consideration in our selection process.  

I HAVE HOUSING AVAILABLE FOR A REFUGEE FAMILY - WHO DO I CONTACT?

We are actively looking for housing in the immediate Cloverdale (Surrey) area. If you have temporary (2 to 6 weeks) housing available, or if you know of a long term housing solution we want to connect with you. Please contact us via email at Refugee Team.

I WANT TO DONATE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS WHERE DO I DROP THESE OFF?

Please contact Joan in the church office to let PCC know what you want to donate.  Email Joan

 

We have now raised the funds required for the year of sponsorship.

Thank you for giving to help this family!

We invite you to particpate by praying for this family - that they will be given their travel visas to come to Canada soon.