June 20, marked World Refugee Day, a day to recognize the millions of people who’ve had to abandon their homes because of the effects of climate change, persecution and war.
But a Syrian refugee family that’s been eeking out an existence in Jordan since 2011, continues to wait permission to come to Delta.
Getting to this country is a long process, said Carol Vignale, chairperson of the Refugee Action Group of Delta, (RAGDy) based at Benediction Lutheran Church.
The family is struggling to get by with the father getting only odd jobs and being unable to work in his profession.
Although $33,000 has been raised and is in a trust fund to support the family for their first year in Canada, the Delta group wants to ensure the family’s stable while waiting in Jordan, by providing a monthly allowance of about $500, which will cover the necessities such as rent and food, medical costs and school fees for their kids.
The group also wants to help the father take English lessons, so he’s ready to get to work when he arrives, “and to be participants in society in a way that they wouldn’t be if they didn’t have this opportunity to learn English,” Vignale said.
“That’s what the money is for, is to help them survive so that they can make it these two years while they’re waiting.”
All told, they need about $15,000 for the living allowance.
The Canadian Lutheran World Relief is making the application for the family under the private sponsorship of refugees’ program.
The application has been accepted by the federal government and is now at the Canadian visa office in Jordan, where there can be a two-year wait for processing such as health and security checks. Because of World Relief’s good reputation however, the family has a good chance of being accepted.
Vignale said the family of five is well educated and resourceful and willing to do what it takes to make a good life here.
“We feel they’re partners with us,” she said.
She’s been helping refugees for several years and has helped bring over between 10 and 15 refugees.
The man’s sister and her family are already living in B.C., after arriving in 2016 under the federal government’s Syrian refugee program.
The Benediction Lutheran Church and Tsawwassen United Church are co-sponsors of the Refugee Action Group of Delta.
Benediction can be contacted at 604-943-3432 if you want to help.
