Concern for the refugees of Syria, Turkey and surrounding areas has prompted the local community to respond with open hearts and minds.
After a number of meetings in late 2015 to assess support, a committee was created to head the Guelph-Eramosa Refugee Sponsorship project (GERSP).
The goal of GERSP is to sponsor one refugee family that will settle in the area. The project will support the family for one year and ease their transition to a new life in Canada.
This collective includes non-faith-based community members and representatives from area United Church of Canada congregations.
Volunteers from all walks of life, bringing their particular gifts, developed the team.
The United churches involved are Barrie Hill, Rockwood, Speedside, Stone and Three Willows. While the initial portion of funds needed to commence an application for a refugee family under the auspices of the United Church of Canada has already been raised, the group’s overall goal is $30,000 (including selective gifts in kind – eg. household furnishings), a portion of which has already been donated.
The first fundraiser is a pasta dinner to be held on April 16 at Rockmosa Community Centre in Rockwood. The cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12.
Contact 519-763-6968 for tickets.
For more information about events, how to help, or to make a donation, email guelpheramosarsp@gmail.com. or visit www.GERSP.ca where donations can be made to the project via PayPal.
