With ongoing interest among North Okanagan residents to assist refugees, steps are being taken to ensure they’re prepared.
The North Okanagan Refugee Committee, Vernon and District Immigrant Services and Okanagan Regional Library will host a refugee sponsorship workshop Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Vernon library.
“We would like to provide information and support to people considering sponsoring a refugee,” said Carol Wutzke, with VDIS.
The workshop is a chance for people to find out more details about the refugee sponsorship process from Darcy Bromley, a senior policy advisor with Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada.
They will also gain an understanding of the settlement services that are already in place in our community.
The workshop is targeted towards people considering the sponsorship process. For individuals who are more interested in volunteering or providing donations, they should contact VDIS and be added to its resource list.
“Vernon has a history of supporting refugees and that generosity provides benefits to our community,” said Annette Sharkey, a member of the North Okanagan Refugee Committee.
“Many of these families have started their own businesses, are raising their children and volunteer within our community.”
For more information about sponsorship, go to www.norc.ca