Sponsoring a refugee 101 workshop set for Vernon

VERNON – Interested in sponsoring a refugee, but don’t know where to start? You might want to check out an upcoming workshop at the Vernon library.

Refugee Sponsorship 101 is being held Monday, Feb. 1 and will give people a chance to find out more about the sponsorship process.

According to the North Okanagan Refugee Committee, there are already nine sponsoring groups in various stages of the application process awaiting the arrival of refugee families. In addition, there are residents who are interested in sponsoring refugees.

“Vernon has a history of supporting refugees and that generosity provides benefits to our community. Many of these families have started their own businesses, are raising their children and volunteer within our community,” committee member Annette Sharkey says in a media release.

Attendees will hear from a senior policy advisor with Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada as well as from local sponsorship groups who have already embarked on the process. Participants will also gain an understanding of the settlement services already in place in our community.

The workshop and panel discussion is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Vernon library.

Visit the North Okanagan Refugee Committee website for more information.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.