Fort Nelson to Sponsor Refugee Family

A Refugee Sponsorship Group has formed in Fort Nelson with the goal of helping at least one family fleeing persecution from their home country, and bringing them to the community.

The Sponsorship Group is made up of community members dedicated to helping a family in need and providing a safe haven for them in the north. While still in the early stages, the group has set up the initial infrastructure to begin the fundraising campaign. Members have committed to the cause after communicating shared concern for the situations forcing innocent and vulnerable people world-wide to live in the harsh conditions of refugee camps as the only alternative to escaping the dangers of their home countries.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis sparked world-wide attention to the issue earlier this fall. While it is uncertain if the Fort Nelson sponsored family will be from Syria, or another country currently experiencing similar dangers, the focus has been set on the world stage and Fort Nelson has joined the cause along with many other northern B.C. communities. Committee Member Jim Patterson discussed the importance of responding to global issues like the refugee crisis, stating that “It is 2015. We live in a global village. If one person is scared and homeless, we all suffer. We live in a great town to help a refugee family recover from their traumas.” In addition to this, committee member Mike Gilbert adds, “When people ask for help out of desperation our answer has to be ‘yes.’ That’s a basic, non-negotiable value. We can address the practicalities as they come up – those are details.”

Many committee members have expressed deep compassion for those caught in the middle of political strife and war. Cristina Klassen expressed that her family has been following the Syrian situation since 2011, “Their stories are horrific and heart breaking” said Klassen, “As soon as we found out that we could help sponsor a refugee family, to help them escape the horrors they’re experiencing, we wanted to be a part of it.” Cristina’s husband James, who is also a part of the sponsorship group, talked about his own family history of coming to Canada, “As a 3rd generation Canadian and a person who has experienced real Fort Nelson hospitality it’s not surprising to find like-minded individuals who believe that it’s their duty to care for others (even strangers) from halfway across the world…even in this remote place.” Klassen praised the town for always being able to reach out and lend a helping hand, both locally and on a global scale, “I am hoping that we can help even one family – but truly hope that we continue to have the opportunity to do even more – just because we can… even in the midst of a difficult local economy.”

The current state of the economy has been a main part of the dialogue in the planning so far. The group has acknowledged that timing is not ideal, with the economic down turn affecting many in the area. The group wants to look realistically at what may be done to respond to the global crisis without putting unnecessary pressure on community members. Much of the fundraising would be in kind, which means donations of clothing, housewares, furniture and other living necessities would count toward the overall fundraising goal. The group has also taken care to address issues surrounding the initiative, like increasing awareness on the refugee situation and promoting cultural education for the community.

This is not the first time the Fort Nelson community has responded to a global humanitarian call for help. Member Val Keeler recalls when a community group came together in the 1980s to sponsor Vietnamese refugees. These refugees were sometimes referred to as “the boat people” as they fled Vietnam by boat or ship and experienced harsh and inhumane conditions during their travels. Keeler recalls one family in particular who remained in the community, and her close connection with the mother, Abby, “She was a long-time resident of Fort Nelson that many people will know, now living in Vancouver who always felt she owed a great debt of gratitude to her sponsors in Fort Nelson. In actuality, she more than repaid the perceived debt for she was extremely thoughtful and generous, sacrificing a great deal to educate her two sons; one of whom is a Doctor.” This is just one success story of many during this time.

Fort Nelson has a track record of stepping up to the plate when there are people in need, committee member Lorraine Gerwing reflected on the Syrian situation saying she sees the faces of her children and grandchildren in those who are fleeing their homes in fear for their lives “How absolutely desperate you must be to risk your life and the lives of your children,” said Gerwing, “How do we turn away from such desperation? Those that can see the pain, feel the despair and believe in hope are compelled to lend a hand.”

With the recent devastating events in Paris and Lebanon, tensions are running high and some controversy has been sparked in the Refugee Crisis debate in BC. Committee member Seanah Roper urges the community to see that “Extremist groups are not a representation of all Muslims.” And that the refugees in need are the victims of terror. Roper also emphasized that the Canadian immigration system is set up with the highest security, it is a system she knows well through her work in settlement services, “Our screening processes here in Canada are very thorough. Those who enter must go through a comprehensive process set up to ensure and that Canadians are protected.”

The group is now set up to receive donations for the initiative and is in the process of selecting a family to sponsor. They hope to release more information to the community as it comes, and look forward to welcoming new Fort Nelson residents and offering the support to help them heal from their traumas and integrate into a healthy new life in Canada.

Posted by a fully grown man