The County of Simcoe has created a fact sheet to assist community groups with submitting sponsorship applications for Syrian refugees.
"While I am not surprised, I am deeply humbled and moved by the response of our residents in the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis," County Warden Gerry Marshall said in a statement today.
"A growing number of community members have contacted the County seeking information on how to embrace and support refugee families. Inquiries have come from groups in Adjala-Tosorontio, Barrie, Essa, Midland, New Tecumseth, Orillia and Penetanguishene.
Early this year, mayors across Canada pledged support to the Syrian refugee initiative. Many municipalities support the Lifeline Syria initiative and many County councillors have been involved in local citizen-led efforts.
Through the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership, an initiative funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Simcoe County is working with community stakeholders and leaders to create welcoming communities by providing support systems, language and cultural competency training, networking opportunities and an abundance of resources that help newcomers adapt to life in Simcoe County.
These initiatives, combined with the generosity and acceptance of residents, position Simcoe County municipalities to support the federal government’s pledge to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada – of which 10,000 will be settled in Ontario.
"I am so proud that our region has stepped forward to support Syrian families in need through direct sponsorship," said Marshall. "Given our history of acceptance, and the abundance of opportunity our region offers, I’m certain we will provide a welcoming and nurturing home to a number of Syrian refugee families."
Acknoledging how the tragedy in Paris has caused some residents to question Canada’s pledge, the Warden said "we must understand that Canada has and will always show leadership during humanitarian crises. The County of Simcoe, our municipalities and our residents share this same sense of social responsibility."
Simcoe County is a diverse region home to more than 50,000 foreign born residents. Within our borders you can hear over 107 different languages being spoken. We have a long history of welcoming newcomers and sharing in their success stories as they’ve built businesses, filled labour shortages and positively contributed to the social and economic fabric and growth of our communities.A fact sheet created to assist community groups in developing settlement plans for the families they’re supporting is available at simcoe.ca/ChildrenandCommunityServices/Documents/Refugee%20Sponsorship%20Fact%20sheet%20v2.pdf
The fact sheet includes a resource section for community groups.
"Together, let’s maintain our welcoming spirit and tradition of helping those in desperate need of our assistance. We support the greater good. Not just within the borders of Simcoe County or our great country, but the greater good for all mankind," Marshall concluded.
Kindness knows no boundaries.
