Syrian refugees will soon be arriving in Regina and, from the donations that have been received, they’ll have all they need.
On Tuesday, the City of Regina, and the Regina Open Door Society said they didn’t need any more donations of household goods, furniture, or clothing for the time being.
“As you would expect from Regina residents, they’ve been very generous,” said Mayor Michael Fougere.
“For right now, we have a lot of things we need to welcome newcomers.”
Fougere called it a huge response.
“I’m very proud of Regina residents, they’ve done an incredible job, and I knew they would.”
Fougere said they had a good system set up in Regina already for newcomers, praising the Regina Open Door Society, adding this just kicked it up a bit.
For anyone who still wants to help, Fougere suggested sponsoring a family, volunteering at the Regina Open Door Society, or even just welcoming the newcomers when they get here.
“I can’t wait to get them, because they’ll see just how friendly we have people here in Regina.”
Five privately-sponsored refugees are expected in Regina this month. Their financial and basic needs will be taken care of by their sponsors, and the Regina Open Door Society will support them with other things like language and employment assistance.
More government-sponsored refugees are expected to start arriving in the new year.
According to a news release from the City of Regina, the government provides refugees with one year of financial assistance as they settle into their new lives. The Regina Open Door Society will help with other settlement needs.