Page 35 - PC Issue 14 Summer 2020

presbyterian.ca
SUMMER 2020
Connection
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP
PRESBYTERIAN
35
Easy to Get Involved
Nasro and Cathrine Maskell.
By Cathrine Maskell, Brockville Freedom Connection team member
In 2019, a lovely refugee family from Syria moved in next door to me. They had six children, spoke no English and were in awe of the wonderful life we have here in Canada. Everything was new for them. They were excit- ed, timid, joyous and apprehensive. I had so much to learn about their culture.
Their arrival here in Canada had
been supported by the local imam, who had put together a group to help sponsor this family through the Blended Visa Office-Referred pro- gram. When he heard another team was being put together to assist some more new arrivals from Africa, he encouraged me to reach out. So I joined the Brockville Freedom Con- nection, a group of local people who bring a variety of talents to the table to help new refugees adapt to our community. It was easy to get in- volved.
I met Nasro in November 2019. She was young and beautiful, and wanted to tell us all about her life in Somalia. First Presbyterian Church in Brockville, Ont., had sponsored her to come to Canada. Our Free- dom Connection team was commit- ted to helping her settle into a new life. The Rev. Marianne Emig Carr of First Presbyterian Church was part of the team. She was encourag- ing—she was able to explain funding and systems because she had been
part of the sponsorship process for many families. The rest of us in the group were newbies, but we were up for the challenge. It was easy to get involved.
Nasro was in good hands. She would need to go to school, see a doctor and find a place to live. And as it was November in Canada, she would need some winter boots. So, we went to thrift shops and looked through donations at the church, and she was very appreciative. Her English was quite good, ensuring language was not an issue. But since she liked some uncommon kinds of food, groceries were sometimes a challenge in our small city. Undaunt- ed, she cooked for us and shared her traditions.
Learning about Nasro’s culture and traditions has broadened my life experience. It has allowed me to appreciate more of what we have here in Canada. It has helped me cel- ebrate the giving nature of our team members and others in our commu-
Nasro experiencing her first snowfall in Canada.
nity. I feel humbled and honoured to have experienced many “firsts” with this young refugee: her first visit to a doctor’s office, her first snowfall, her first pancake breakfast and her first time walking a dog. Thank you, Nasro, for making my life better.
I grew up in multicultural Montreal and have come to realize that some communities in small Ontario cities are not as diverse. But in helping Nasro, I found that link that I had been searching for—that world connection
to someone who will now have a bet- ter life because of the commitment of the people in our local Freedom Con- nection team. We are making a differ- ence in my community with a team of others who are like-minded. It was easy to get involved.
*Nasro’s sponsorship application was submitted through the Blended Visa Office-Referred program and supported by PWS&D’s refugee sponsorship desk.
Food is essential
Last year 821 million people faced hunger around the world
In 2020 that number will grow due to the coronavirus pandemic
As we navigate these uncertain times together, Canadian Foodgrains Bank is staying committed to supporting some of our world’s most vulnerable people.
Since 1992, through the Foodgrains Bank, Presbyterian World Service & Development has worked with other Christian organizations to help end world hunger. Compassionate Canadians like you have made it possible to provide emergency food to refugees fleeing conflict, train small-scale farmers to grow more food for their families, and help mothers improve their children’s nutrition.
Your support to end global hunger is needed more than ever
Together, we can make sure families facing hunger can access the essential food and assistance they need to get through this global emergency.
To learn more visit
foodgrainsbank.ca
Photo: Edward Echwalu
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