Dryden Syrian Refugee Committee Visit Moves Rotarians to Respond Generously

Posted by John Borst 
on Dec 07, 2015
 
The Dryden Syrian Refugee Committee was formed when Drydenite, Jerry Wilson contacted Dr. Ghada Ibrahim because she was the only person of the Muslim faith he knew in Dryden.
 
After talking her into chairing the committee and creating a loose connection with the Lutheran Church community and partnering with the Mennonite Central Committee they now have a designated family to sponsor.
 

 

 
 
Ibrahim described the Jandali family as consisting of a father (age 41) and a restaurant manager, and mother (age 39) who is a hairdresser and sewer, and their 4 children (ages 9, 7, 5,and 3).
 
The Jandali’s have been living in a refugee camp in Northern Iraq, however they are originally from Northern Syria.
 
The committee’s hope is to have the family here by end of February
 
In the meantime they have to raise $33,000 as this is a “private” sponsorship. As of the meeting they had $7000.00.  If the full amount not raised by time family arrives, members of committee are committed to covering the shortfall.
 
For those wishing to assist in this initiative, items of any type for family can be dropped off at Viva Dental.  Monies can be given to Committee members or cheques payable to Lutheran Church and indicate on cheque that it is for the Dryden Syrian Refugee Committee (DSRC).
 
Another way to help is to attend the DSRC’s big fundraiser coming up on December 28th at the Centre - Rock ‘n Relief featuring all local musicians.
 
During the question and answer period Rotarian John B donated $100 and challenged the rest of members to do likewise. By end of meeting, the DSRC had collected $2771 which included $500.00 from the club as a result of motion by Rotarians Brian Braid and Jeannie McMaster which was approved. Later fines and Happy bucks to the tune of $45.00 was added, as well
 
 
To listen to Ghada Ibrahim’s speech including the questions & answers period click on the image below.