Councillors here are more than willing to support Syrian refugees coming to the local area – at least on a personal level.
Local resident Bill Knetsch was before council on Dec. 2 speaking on the refugee crisis and introduced Nyazuddin Ahmed, vice president of the Muslim Society of Guelph and a resident of Puslinch.
Knetsch stated, “the Muslim community in our area is going all-out to support these refugees and immigrants to our area.” He added, “Canada and all Canadians are in the middle of a major historical milestone for our county.”
He said “the people of Puslinch must do whatever we can to help show the world, what we, the people of Puslinch, are all about.”
As of the Dec. 2 meeting, Knetsch stated the federal government has increased the number of refugees to be accepted from 25,000 to 35,000 – with as many as 50,000 coming within the next few years.
“Right now in our immediate area of Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, we can expect 119 refugee families,” said Knetsch.
He asked for council’s support in creating awareness and informing local residents of what is needed and what can be done to help. He asked if a website could be set up to provide some of that information – or to help with fundraising events using local facilities.
Knetsch also appealed to local residents to sponsor a refugee family and called for support of local businesses, churches, schools and community groups.
“Imagine what we can achieve if we work together in the next few weeks and months to help these new Canadians who are coming to this country … with basically nothing but the clothes on their backs.”
Knetsch is working to create a core group of people to assist his efforts and for volunteers to focus efforts within Puslinch.
Councillor Susan Fielding, who said she’s been asked whether something was going on specifically in the township, applauded Knetsch’s initiative.
“I’m certainly supportive of what you are trying to do, but as a level of government, I’m not sure what we can do,” said Fielding.
She added social service programs are operated by Wellington County. Fielding said on a personal level she was more than willing to help out.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer supported the idea of helping residents to get in touch with organizers.
Councillor Wayne Stokley commended the efforts being made to help, but suggested all the township can offer at this point is insight.
“I, myself, would be more than willing to be involved in a more personal way, but it is difficult from a township point of view,” said Stokley.
Mayor Dennis Lever also supported the efforts from a personal point of view, stating, “As individuals, we are all happy to help to do what we can and make donations.”
