City opening it's arms to a Syrian refugee family.

With the tragic events in Europe and the Middle East over the last several months and years, the world has been left with painfully disturbing images of refugees. However, since the drowning of Aylan Kurdi, his brother, mother and many other Syrian refugees, the need to respond has grown even more evident. The situation is being described as the worst refugee crisis since World War Two and has promoted many communities and individuals in the North to respond– Timmins is likewise answering the call.

The newly established Timmins Refugee Sponsorship Committee, led by the Timmins & District Multicultural Centre (TDMC) in partnership with the City of Timmins and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), has initiated the process of sponsoring a Syrian refugee family to the City of Timmins and is seeking financial support from the community.

“Our community has a long and illustrious history of stepping up to assist those in need, whether here or abroad,” says Mayor Steve Black, who has helped spearhead the campaign. “I was happy to see City Council start this initiative and have been overwhelmed by the efforts and dedication of the committee in leading the process.”

The project got started when Timmins City Council approved the motion to support a Syrian refugee family by matching donations from the community up to $15,000, and to work with the TEDC and the TDMC on a fundraising initiative. From there a Committee was assembled to leverage advice from other municipalities including North Bay and Sault Ste Marie, research the sponsorship process, and begin developing a settlement plan.

The Committee is comprised of a cross-section of the community, with wide-ranging support for this effort from the municipality, the media, the not-for-profit sector and the business community. Committee members include representatives from Professions North and the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board, as well as a community developer, a local lawyer, and a business owner.

The Committee is also receiving support from the Mennonite Central Committee Ontario’s Refugee Sponsorship Program, and their Northern Regional Office.

The goal of the fundraising campaign is to raise enough money to support at least one family of five for one year. Based on estimates from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, this will cost at least $30,000.

Donations are now being accepted by the City of Timmins and can be dropped off at the City Hall main floor finance desk. Cheques are payable to: The City of Timmins – Syrian Refugee Fund. Donations can also be made online at www.timmins.ca. The City will issue receipts for donations.

Anyone interested in becoming involved with the fundraising effort, or in offering support services for the family when they arrive, should contact the Chairperson of the Committee, Tom Baby, at (705) 269-8622 or tombaby@timminsmulticultural.ca.