A local group is taking the initiative to inform Chatham-Kent residents on the Syrian refugee crisis, as Canada prepares to welcome thousands of Syrian families into the country.
The group "Surviving To Thriving Network" is holding an information session starting at 7pm on December 7 at Sprucedale United Church, in an effort to connect the community and learn about local welcoming efforts.
Group coordinator Maureen Geddes says with the country facing one of the largest migrations in human history, it is important to be informed as a community.
"I think it's critical that we have some understanding, that we can welcome [the refugees] with an educated mind and spirit, and that we can ensure we are giving our best possible welcome to help people settle in," she says.
Geddes says those attending the information session will be given an overview about ways they can help out.
"We want to give an update on what resources are available if people want to sponsor, contribute or help in any way [and] what are the different ways they can get involved," she says. "We want it to be a chance for people to connect and socialize as well."
A multicultural group of students from Chatham-Kent Secondary School called Global Voices will also make a presentation during the information session.
"They've been concerned about global issues in general and are particularly interested in learning more about Syrian refugees, and about what we would be doing here in Chatham to welcome them," says Geddes. "So they're going to create a presentation on the issues in Syria, what are the challenges people are facing, and educate us as a community a little bit more about the situation overseas."
The Canadian government plans to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to the country by February 2016.
For more information on the Surviving To Thriving Network, vist their Facebook page by clicking here.
