Volunteers needed in preparation for refugee families

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT COMMUNITY CAREER CENTRE
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The Sault Community Career Centre (SCCC) is currently looking for volunteers to help prepare for the arrival of a refugee family to Sault Ste. Marie on Nov. 29, 2017. With three more families of refugees on their way in the near future, the SCCC and its community of volunteers need at least three more groups to participate in this rewarding work.

Since 2016, the SCCC has welcomed 99 refugees under the federal government’s Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) and has also provided support services for 49 privately sponsored refugees. The success of the settlement efforts can be attributed to the many volunteers who have provided a warm welcome, donated much-needed supplies like food and clothing, and offered additional services like transportation and language lessons. Through their involvement, the volunteers have helped create a supportive community around the newcomers that make them feel welcomed and connected. 

As a volunteer, your role will be to provide friendship to the refugee families through their transition and offer assistance with the everyday tasks of life in Canada. You may help gather household items like towels and blankets, provide transportation to places like the grocery store or the bank, assist them with travel to medical and dental appointments, visit them in their homes, and accompany them to welcome events in the community.   

The SCCC is looking for three groups of at least six volunteers for the upcoming arrivals. An orientation session for people who are interested in volunteering will be held at the SCCC on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.  If you would like to register, or have any questions about volunteering, please contact Brenda Cooper at [email protected] or call (705) 542-9088.

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