Michael and Vera Ryan are spearheading an effort through St. Anne’s Catholic Parish to sponsor a refugee family to come to Osoyoos. Michael Ryan is a former Osoyoos town councillor. They are looking for community support. (Richard McGuire photo)
Members of a steering committee are moving forward with plans to bring a Syrian refugee family to Osoyoos.
Vera Ryan, who along with her husband Michael, is spearheading the initiative through St. Anne’s Catholic Parish, said a house has been found in the downtown area of Osoyoos for the family.
“The owner prefers to be anonymous at this time, but we are delighted with this offer of a lovely house for our family,” she said. “Our greatest need has been met so quickly. Now we’re ready to start looking at lists of refugees.”
The steering committee met during the second week of October and undertook various tasks such as preparing a typical budget and finding out exactly how much money the government will provide and what services are available.
Last week five committee members attended an Arabic “cultural primer” in Oliver, presented by a Palestinian refugee.
“Her family recently moved to Oliver from Surrey,” said Ryan. “She offered some insights into the differences in culture that could smooth the way when our family arrives.”
Although the refugee sponsorship initiative is being co-ordinated through St. Anne’s Catholic Parish and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson, the Ryans say the project involves the entire community.
Cheques may be made out to St. Anne’s Catholic Church, memo: Refugee Project and can be mailed to P.O. Box 242, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0. Donations through the church are considered charitable donations for tax purposes.
Copies of information and sign-up sheets are available at the Osoyoos Times office and involvement in the refugee sponsorship project is welcome at any time. Michael and Vera Ryan can be contacted at 250-495-6960 or at [email protected].
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
