After weeks spent preparing for them, two Syrian refugee families arrived in Ladner over the weekend.
Delta Safe Haven, the group formed late last year to help bring refugees to the area, announced Sunday night that two families, consisting of five adults and eight children ranging in age from 3 to 15, have arrived.
The group received word last Thursday that two families had been selected to settle in Ladner. Delta Safe Haven members met the families on Friday and they arrived in Ladner the next day.
Volunteers were quickly mobilized to organize food, help unpack furniture provided by the government and look after the children as the adults met with Delta Safe Haven members.
Rev. Jim Short, who spearheaded the initiative, said the new Canadian residents had many questions around schooling, learning English, safety, shopping and much else.
The journey to their new home in South Delta has been long and arduous. The families fled the war in Syria three years ago, staying in a Jordanian refugee camp. They arrived in Vancouver from Jordan on Christmas Day.
Short said there were many moments that stood out for the group that has been working to make this possible, including Delta police officers hugging the fathers to welcome them to Canada and shaking hands with their children, the smiles on refugees’ faces as they saw their new homes and children of steering committee members arriving with a soccer ball.
“Within two minutes children speaking different languages had formed a circle and without speaking were passing the ball to each other,” Short said.
Short said the families are already out and exploring their new community. Delta Safe Haven has been in contact with the school district about getting the children enrolled as well as English language classes for the adults.
“They’re really resilient people,” he said. “They’re all very friendly. They’re really happy to be here.”
Delta Safe Haven is asking the community to give the families some time and space to settle into their new surroundings.
“As we understand the excitement and support you may have to offer, we ask that you join us in giving these families the gift of time and refrain from any unexpected visits to their homes and activities which might be overwhelming to them at this juncture.”
Delta Safe Haven is still welcoming financial donations to help the families transition into their new lives in Canada. It is currently only looking for financial donations, through cash or gift cards, and will in time circulate any needs for personal or household items.
Donations can be dropped off at Ladner United Church from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. weekdays. Cheques should be made out to Delta Safe Haven – Ladner United Church.
For more information about making a donation, or about Delta Safe Haven, visit www.deltasafehaven.org.
Volunteers that have submitted a criminal record check will be contacted about an orientation session in early February.
