1. Ready, Set, Almost Go
King Volunteers Poised to Welcome Refugee
Family
By Janet McLeod
Article for King Sentinel newspaper
Jan 8
th
, 2016
More than 60 residents again packed the latest meeting of King for Refugees last week
to show their willingness to open their lives, pocketbooks and hearts to the plight of
Syrian refugees half a world away. But that distance may be closing fast. The group has
rented a home close to transit in King City and is ready to accept funding donations from
the community. Humanity First, an experienced, national humanitarian relief
organization, has partnered with the group to provide charitable receipts and other
supports. 100% of all donations will go to the needs of sponsored family. Given the cost
of living in King, the goal is to raise some $50,000 for the first family but all of this may
not be needed as families are often able to support themselves before a year has
passed.
But we cannot ask for a family until $28,000 has been collected.
"A family might arrive in March or it could be here in a week. We just have to give the
word we're ready," says Ann Raney, one of the planning committee of King for
Refugees. " There are families in the queue ready to come now."
You and your family can be a big help! If you wish to make a donation you can write a
cheque today made out payable to "Humanity First" with "King for Refugees" clearly
written in the memo line, and mailed to King for Refugees, P.O. Box 135, King City, ON,
L7B 1A4. If you neglect to include this King info, the money goes to the other charity
only. You will receive a charitable donation tax receipt. Once the
new website www.kingforrefugees.org is up and running, (check today) you can donate
funds through the secure link.
Organizers are optimistic that the community will rally to fund at least two families and
perhaps even four. But let us start out with one to begin the project. King businesses,
schools, clubs, churches and residents etc., will be informed regarding potential
furniture and clothing requirements once the family's needs are known. However, the
first need is for significant progress in funding donations.
Admin, accommodations, communications, donations, welcoming, ESL, driving and
special support teams are hard at work preparing. What can you do to help? (
king4refugees@gmail.com ) Thank you King!