Third Refugee Update
April 2012 – 3rd Update
It is delightful to see how well that Fouad, Sameerah (Sam) and Ovelya (Ove) are settling into their new life in Canada. They have made much progress in so many aspects in just two months.
Ove loves her new school, Valley Park M. S. and enjoys the daily walk with a good friend from her building. Ove’s English is improving daily and she is a helpful “translator” when her parents need a little language assistance.
Sam looks after their apartment home with great skill and pride. She enjoys shopping, cooking and learning English through conversation.
Fouad attends weekday morning ESL classes which currently emphasizes grammar and language structure. He very much enjoys conversation with people and it is hoped that he may soon attend a class with much more emphasis on spoken English. He walks extensively in good weather and has explored both the valley pathways and the Thorncliffe Park Community.
Most basic living needs have been met. Thanks to many donors, their apartment home is very comfortable and welcoming. The TV, internet, phone and computers are finally working adequately (thanks to some generous and timely help). The family’s resourcefulness is clearly demonstrated by the fact that they can literally “pick up” very good but discarded furniture from people who have moved out of their building. As well, they are comfortable and confident in dealing independently with daily tasks such as their mail, bill payments and shopping.
The Dawood family does “travel” by different means for specific purposes.
They have walked and explored their Thorncliffe Community as well as parts of Flemingdon, Leaside and Pape Avenue areas. They now know where the best food bargains are located.
As well, Fouad in particular, enjoys learning about the TTC, especially the buses since he is still uncomfortable using the subway. He is able to travel by bus independently to his doctor’s appointments near Fairview Mall. Also, he is looking forward to taking his family downtown to see and explore the Toronto core.
Various family relatives living in Etobicoke, Brampton, Mississauga and Woodbridge have both visited them and brought them by car to their homes on weekends, sometimes overnight. This interaction is very uplifting for all.
The Dawoods have come to Leaside United Church services several times and feel very welcomed. Members have shown a sincere interest in them and the family feels a closeness to the church people they have met. Fouad, Sam and Ove are very welcoming and generous people. They enjoy having visitors and several Leaside members have arranged to take them out for a meal. They enjoy the human interaction and English conversation!
In the future after their language has become more proficient, they shall be searching for some work. We shall keep you informed concerning future job needs and certainly would appreciate any future help.
Many have asked about how they can support Fouad, Sam and Ove. Practical gifts have been received and are appreciated. The on-going financial sponsorship of this family for one year, currently amounts to approximately $2200 dollars monthly. Your monetary support is appreciated. This may be done through envelope givings, marking “REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT” on the blank line or by sending / bringing a cheque made out to: “Leaside United Church” with “REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT” on the Memo line. Your tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated.
As Fouad, Sam and Ove continue to settle more comfortably and confidently in their new lives, we want to extend both their and our “Thanks” to the many who have been a part of their lives. If you wish to contact the Dawoods call the church office. Mary Ann will give you their phone number.
Second Refugee Update
Leaside United’s Refugee Family Arrives Safely in Snowstorm!
Left to right – Lyne (Settlement Worker /translator), Lis, Sameerah, Fouad, Ovelya and Bob.
Fouad, Sameerah (Sam) and Ovelya (13 year old – Gr. 7 daughter) reached Toronto safely on Monday, January 30th, 2012. They began their journey from Damascus, Syria and had a stop-over in Istanbul, Turkey where a 2-hour, de-icing delay was experienced.. After clearance through Canadian Customs and Immigration, there was a very joyful meeting! Smiles and hugs were abundant. We were thankful to have with us Lyne, an Arabic-speaking, Settlement Worker, from the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office. We took the special welcoming poster made by the Leaside United’s Youth Group and also had an Arabic sign. It was the English “Welcome to Canada” sign that International Organization for Migration (IOM) reps noticed before we were united with the family.
There were 2 initial surprises at the airport.
One was the 11 “relatives” who also came to welcome Fouad and family to Canada. These relatives live mostly in the northwest area of Toronto and in Woodbridge. They are delightful and very grateful people. We heard their stories when they initially had come to Canada in 1991. This shall be a wonderful support emotionally for the family. The relatives know that our new family shall be living in Thorncliffe for at least 1 year.
The second surprise was that our family had 6 large, matching 60-70 lb. suitcases with them. The ride from the airport with 6 passengers and lots of luggage in Monday evening’s snowstorm was a memorable intro. to Toronto’s winter.
Fouad and his family found a temporary abode for two nights at the home of Tanyss Malabar. Fouad has a 4-yr. degree in Philosophy from Bagdad University and has written 7 books. He is a very soft spoken, thoughtful man. Sameerah (Sam) worked as a clerk auditor and is full of “spark”. Their daughter, Ovelya, who has just turned 13, has the typical teenaged interests.
On their second night in Canada, Tanyss and June hosted a special dinner at Tanyss’ home, where most of the Refugee Resettlement Committee members and some of June’s visiting family attended. It was a great event!
During the days this week, we have been fully occupied:
-securing a 1 bedroom home at:
53 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Apt. 107, Toronto, On M4H 1L1-furnishing their home, thanks to all the generous L.U.C. donors and the Wed, night “movers” (Larry Allcorn, Bill Pashby, Dan Johnson, David Meeker, Janet Michener, Lis & Bob Lister plus the family);
-acquiring their IFH (Interim Federal Health), SIN and immunization (for school), documents (OHIP to be done later);
-meeting with school staff to verify exactly what info.(legal, medical, etc.) is needed to register fully and to begin ESL classes in Gr. 7 at Valley Park Middle School;
-locating and visiting an Arabic-speaking doctor or Medical Clinic to get up-to-date inoculations for Ovelya;
-shopping for both food and a myriad of household items;
-ordering, arranging and overseeing the set up of basic phone, tv and Internet services from Rogers;
-preparing and teaching the laundry room skills and routines;
-working with them to set up their home and
-laughing together while sharing a new life in Toronto.
Fouad, Sameerah and Ovelya have been grateful, happy, helpful and inspiring as we have worked together so intensively this week. It has been a joy and privilege to be with them!
There is still a number of things to do. This includes:
-completing Ovelya’s school registration,
-Fouad’s and Sameerah’s ESL Assessment,
-meeting with Lyne, the Settlement Worker,
-setting up a bank account,
-T.T.C. education and usage and
-applying for Child Tax credit.
On Sunday February 5, Fouad and his family voluntarily attended our church service. After his family was introduced to the congregation, Fouad spoke sincerely and gratefully for Leaside United Church’s sponsorship and their chance to live in Canada! They were overwhelmed with the warmth of welcome, the spirit of the congregation and worship service, plus the gifts of Reverend John, Tanya, Sharon and Karen.
Current needs include:
Single bed, mattress cover and sheets with comforters / blankets
Queen size mattress cover
Pillows
Hair dryer
Mini stereo system
Tall book shelves
Desk lamps (2)
Please leave these items in the Fellowship Room for the Iraqi family.
Cousins of Fouad and families who reside in Woodbridge (came to Canada in early 90’s)
We are grateful for your generous support.
Blessings
Bob and Lis Lister, Co-Chairs for Refugee Resettlement Committee
Cell # 416-522-9380 Email aelister@sympatico.caRefugee Resettlement Committee
Don Jeffreys (Treasurer)
Rev June Malabar
Tanyss Malabar
Janet Michener
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First Refugee Update
Good News! Good News!
On Monday, December 19th the official sponsorship papers for a family of three refugees were signed on behalf of Leaside United Church. This sponsorship was approved at the November Council meeting of our church.
Our family of 3 Iraqi Christians consists of Mom, Sameerah; Dad, Fouad, and their 12-year-old daughter, Ovelya. They shall be coming to Canada via Damascus, Syria. The Canadian government is understandably eager to move sponsored refugees out of this area as soon as possible. Their expected arrival date could be sometime in January.
A Refugee Resettlement Committee has been set up. The members are Reverend June Malabar, Tanyss Malabar, Cheryl Woodin, Janet Michener, Don Jeffreys (Treasurer), plus Lis and Bob Lister as Co-Chairs.
Everyone’s help is needed.
Each of us could keep this family in our thoughts and prayers. Many of us could offer some financial help during the next year- the official length of a sponsorship. To donate, simply write “Refugee Resettlement” on your LUC envelope or on the Memo line of a cheque to Leaside United Church. A 2012 budget has been approved and certain Outreach funds are available to cover a portion of the 2012 budget for this special project or sponsorship.
Also, most of us have extra or unneeded household items. Ironically, our church is “between Awesome Sales” so our inventory of supplies is low.
The following items are needed to offer a basic set-up for a two-bedroom apartment:
LIVING AREA: sofa; chair; table; lamps; drapes/blinds; stereo/radio; tv; desk; rug.
KITCHEN: table; chairs; utensils; microwave; linens; kettle; toaster; pots & pans.
BEDROOMS: beds- 1 double or queen and 1 single or twin; lamps: floor and desk; 2 dressers; bedding for both beds; and personal toiletries.
BATHROOM: bath mat set; face cloths and towels; shower curtain;
CLOTHING: winter coats, hats, scarves and boots; other regular indoor clothes;
Note: new undergarments shall be purchased.
OTHER: luggage, a pack of cards, board games like scrabble, checkers, chess, etc.
If you have any of these items, please do the following two things:
- email or phone Lis and Bob Lister at aelister@sympatico.ca or 416-757-1491 and
- either deliver the items identified and labeled (e.g., kitchen linens – refugees) to the Fellowship Room at Leaside United Church or
Contact Bob and Lis to arrange pick-up of large or heavy items, on or after December 29th.
We hope to find a place for our new family in either the Thorncliffe or Flemingdon Park areas. These locations would be excellent because they are near to our church and there is much community support available from organizations like the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, Flemingdon Food Bank and New Circles.
Our sponsored Iraqi family has distant relatives who have been living in the Woodbridge area for over 20 years. They are supportive and understand that our sponsored family must live near to us (LUC) for the first year at least.
Thank you for your needed and anticipated support as our church continues to “reach out to those in need” and awaits, as in Advent, the arrival of a refugee mother, father and child!
