Prince George's third Syrian family is set to arrive Thursday evening.
It'll be a first for Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, which is sponsoring the family of six. Two families sponsored by the Westwood Church arrived in January: a family of five and a mother with two children.
Kathie Scouten said the Lutheran Church plans to have a group of smiling faces ready for the parents and their school-age children.
"That first impression, that welcoming, that anticipation and that warm feeling - we want them to remember that," said Scouten, a church volunteer.
"When they get off the plane I'm sure they'll be tired but I'm sure they'll be impacted by the welcome they receive as well."
Like Westwood, news of their family's arrival came quick. A couple weeks ago the government said arrival was likely a couple months away. Then last week, they learned it was happening in mere days.
"We've had to be really quick and get ourselves organized. We are ready for them," said Scouten, adding they left Lebanon Monday, have orientation in Montreal Tuesday and Wednesday before they head to Prince George.
"We're just really excited to welcome these folks and introduce them to Prince George."
For the time being the church has organized a temporary home, but when the six have had a chance to settle in and pick a school, they will find a more permanent residence.
"This is their life they get to establish here in Prince George. We really want to work with them to understand their preferences and choices and where they want to be."
Scouten said the church is reaching out to other community groups and the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS).
"Now it's really about trying to find accommodations and school and working with them to understand their needs and working with IMSS and other community groups to make sure they have everything they need."
Once the family is settled, the church may put out a call to the community for donations - things like car seats and such - but it's too early to say, Scouten said. The children's ages range from five to about 12.
Scouten is part of a very active committee of church and community members who have been fundraising and preparing for the arrival.
In early January as the church was preparing for the arrival, Pastor Fleming Blishen credited the 12-member committee for its energy and leadership, and for bringing members of the church and community together.
"It just shows you that when people come together from different faiths... we can do really neat things," Blishen said.
RELATED LINK
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/groups-working-hard-to-sponsor-refugees-1.2146548
