After more than three years of work and waiting, the Castlegar Refugee Project (CaRe) has finally received approval to sponsor a Myanmar refugee family.
CaRe brought two different families to Castlegar in 2016, one from Syria and one from Myanmar.
The new family headed to the community are relatives of the first Myanmar family who have now become Canadian citizens and are living and working in Regina.
The situation in Myanmar has only worsened in recent years as a civil war drags on. Over the last 30 years, there have been horrific waves of oppression of Rohingya and Christian populations.
Tuan has been living as a refugee in Malaysia for 12 years already. She fled Myanmar after arrests, beatings, torture, and death threats because she is a practicing Christian.
In Malaysia she met Thang, who fled Myanmar under the same circumstances. They married and now have two boys, ages six and seven. They have United Nations Asylum Seeker status, but no rights to work in mainstream jobs or access the medical and school systems in Malaysia.
The pair has experienced many hardships in both Myanmar and Malaysia including threats, raids, and harassment even at their children's daycare and their church.
Back in Myanmar, their families continue to suffer. Tuan's mother died last year after suffering a heart attack during an aerial bombing of their village. She tried to get to a hospital, but was stopped by the military on the road and died after being stranded there for hours.
Their desire has been to relocate to a safe country where they can put their boys in school and have jobs and stability.
That dream should come true by May, when CaRe expects to welcome the family to their new community.
CaRe has already been preparing the family for this transition in many ways including helping with the expenses for the children to receive some schooling in Malaysia and using FaceTime for English tutoring.
The process of bringing the family to Canada has been long and involves many steps such as organizing a committee, raising $40,000 for first-year expenses, and finding a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (the United Church).
How you can help
CaRe is looking for a number of volunteers to fulfill different support roles. The needs include team leaders for the housing/furnishings committee, English tutoring committee, and the daily life committee (support with activities, appointments, culture, etc.).
They also need volunteers for these same groups as well as drivers and people willing to welcome them into their activities and groups.
Thang has developed skills in the plumbing and electrician fields, and CaRe is hoping to find a mentor to help introduce him to the requirements and rules of working in these trades in Canada.
Another major need is a two-bedroom house that will be available in April or early May. CaRe will pay for the first year of rent.
If you would like to get involved, email Julie Leffelaar at leffelaars@gmail.com or call her at 250-304-0772.
If you would like to donate, tax deductable donations can be made through Kinnaird Park Community Church by e-transfer to castlegarrefugees@kinnairdpark.com. or at www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-a-refugee-family-to-castlegar.
