Queens County is closer to bringing a Syrian refugee family here.
A team of volunteers has almost met its target of 27-thousand dollars required to sponsor a family.
Team chair, Sheila Redden-Smith said donations have been coming in quickly this week.
“As terrible as the situation in Paris was, there now seems to be more of a sense of urgency to help Syrians amid the chaos,” said Redden-Smith.
“It just makes you so much more aware that we’ve got to get them out of there.”
The Queens Refugee Care Team has raised close to 11-thousand dollars.
The government promises to kick in 10-thousand and another 6-thousand is needed to cover all costs.
“If the community comes through with in-kind donations, such as beds and an apartment or house to rent, that number will come down,” explained Redden-Smith.
“The main thing is we’re almost there. I think some people were holding back waiting to see if we could make this happen. I predict we’ll be ready to apply to sponor a family of six in a couple of weeks. It may take a few months for the family to get here after the application process is complete.”
Tax-deductible donations can be made by cheque to the Queens Refugee Care Team, P.O. Box 1048, Liverpool, B0T 1K0. Donations can also be made through the QRCT page https://www.gofundme.com/8f5jj3x4.
To arrange other donations, please call (902) 354-2705 or email queensrefugeecareteam@gmail.com.
