When Julie Poskitt and her congregation first decided to bring a Syrian refugee family to Saanich, they had no idea the process would take an unusual, and accelerated, twist.
Now, less than a year after first deciding to get involved, the congregation has a family in place, is working toward continuing with the work and is trying to raise enough funds to meet their commitments.
Poskitt is the co-ordinator of Two Saints and Friends sponsorship group, made up of St. Peter’s and St. David-by-the-Sea Anglican churches and a small but dedicated group of community members (not affiliated with the church) whose common interest is to aid in the desperate needs of refugees both in Syria and elsewhere.
She explained how her group was tested by the rapid arrival of their first refugee couple.
“We were gearing up to receive refugees when Abdul and Narimann came to us from Syria. It all happened much faster than we’d anticipated and left us trying to catch up a little,” said Poskitt.
The elderly Syrian couple first was sent to Edmonton, where the situation proved to be untenable. As they already had a son living and studying in Victoria, Poskitt’s group was given the opportunity to take on responsibility for the couple late last year when the Anglican Arch-Diocese approached them for help.
“It all happened very quickly, but these are such wonderful people. We were just so happy to be able to help them,” said Poskitt, adding that it was made possible through the committed work of her group’s small congregation and a group of community residents whose help has proven to be invaluable.
“We have a small group who have joined with our congregation to help out…they are the ‘friends’ part of our organization,” said Poskitt. “We have some who speak Arabic and others who have travelled through that part of the world and know the culture, history and conditions in Syria. Their help in building understanding has been a blessing for us.”
Two Saints and Friends are also gearing up to receive more refugees in the years to come.
“Abdul has a brother in a Cypriot refugee camp and we are trying to get him approved to come join the family,” said Poskitt.
“We are also working to bring a couple and their infant twin children here from Ethiopia. They are Eritrean refugees currently living in a camp in Ethiopia after escaping a brutal regime in their home country. It’s very rewarding work, but it does require funding to make it happen.”
The group’s upcoming fundraiser is a concert by the Greater Victoria Police Chorus, a group of active and retired law enforcement officers (and some other community members) who first formed in 1984 to help raise money for worthwhile charitable causes in the community. Since that time the Chorus has toured across Canada and around the world, bringing their unique musical offerings to bear for a host of charities.
The performance is set for Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church (3939 St. Peter’s Rd.). Tickets are $25 and available at the door or at the church office (250-384-7757).
More information on the fundraiser can be found at Stpeterlakehill@bc.anglican.ca.