Editor, The Times:
I responded recently to a notice on the Clearwater Info Board posted by Jane Horton questioning if there were folks in Clearwater interested in supporting a refugee family.
The United Church of Canada is a sponsorship agreement holder with the federal government (SAH). Kamloops United Church, with its long history and expertise in sponsoring refugee families, recently created a broad based group called Refugees and Friends Together (RAFT).
On Sept. 29 this group held an informational meeting where I learned about RAFT and the many ways that group could help Clearwater to sponsor a family.
Jane Horton and I are calling a community meeting to be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. at Dutch Lake Community Center to gauge the interest and commitment of this community in sponsoring a family to come and live in Clearwater.
We will explain the process and the benefits of working with RAFT on this project. As well, we will have a questionnaire for those attending to fill out with regards to individual contributions whether it be time, talent or financial.
We welcome all community members as this is solely a humanitarian effort.
I can be contacted by email or phone or email: sandrah707@gmail.com or 250-674-3615.
Sandra Holmes
Clearwater, B.C.