A number of local groups are expecting to get involved in helping refugees settle in the area, especially with the new Canadian Government pledge to start accepting more people fleeing Syria.
Alice Van Stempvoort is with a joint sponsorship group composed of four churches and says that model works well because sponsoring a refugee family is a big commitment both financially and time-wise.
"If you're considering that you've got to do it for a year, you've also got to have people in place to help them do groceries, find a place to rent, involve them in your community," he says. "I will (do it again) in the future, oh yes, it has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know people from other countries and to be able to help them to a better life."
The Mennonite Central Committee is offering advice and support for people considering sponsoring a refugee and the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership offers help for people wanting to settle into the community.
