Church looking for donations, volunteers to help welcome refugee family to Vernon

VERNON – A local church is asking the community to help make a difference in the lives of those impacted by the global refugee crisis.

Members of Trinity United Church were moved by the magnitude of the crisis and have decided to sponsor a family, representative Marilyn Erdmann says in a statement.

“Members of the congregation are mobilized to do their part but we can’t do it alone,” Erdmann says.

Once a family has been sponsored, the church’s formal commitment is for one year and funds will be required to support their every need, including housing and groceries.

“We will also provide clothing and furniture, everything you need to set up a home,” church member Norma John says.

Volunteers will also be sought for transportation, translation, English as a second language tutoring and medical services.

“Trinity has a long history of sponsoring refugees, including from Vietnam and Kosovo, and we are confident that we can help provide stability and new opportunities for a family while adding to the diversity of Vernon,” John says.

It is not known when a refugee family may arrive in Vernon but the congregation is working with the United Church of Canada and federal agencies during the process.

“Greater Vernon residents are known for their compassion and openness and we appreciate any support provided,” Erdmann says.

Monetary donations for refugee sponsorship can currently be made to the church’s refugee fund and they will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt, which will be issued early in 2016.

If you are interested in helping welcome refugees to Vernon, call Trinity United Church at 250-545-0797.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.