The Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund’s second newcomer family arrived in Saugeen Shores on Thursday, October 12.

From the Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund:

Our second newcomer family has arrived in Saugeen Shores. They had a long, exhausting journey from Tanzania to South Africa, and then all the way to Toronto, but they showed up in the airport wearing big smiles and their Sunday best. The four children were polite and patient during the long drive home. Upon arriving in Port Elgin, we drove past their rental house which they’ll move into on November 1, and they clapped excitedly. They were also thrilled to see the school.

For now, they will stay in temporary accommodations and begin the long process of integrating into a foreign community and learning English. They speak only a few basic words, no French, only Swahili.

What we need help with:

Many people have kindly expressed a desire to donate household goods and clothing to the family. Here is a list of specific items we need at this time. If you would like to help out with one or more of these items, please notify us so it can be removed from the list and we do not receive duplicates.

– Bathroom supply kit (toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, deodorant, sanitary pads, dental floss, washcloth, etc.)

– First aid kit

– Minor medications kit (Tylenol, Gravol, etc.)

– Grocery carrier or wagon (for making trips on foot to Walmart)

– Toys for kids (baseball gloves, soccer ball, Frisbee, colouring books and craft supplies)

Looking for volunteer drivers:

Soon we hope to get the parents enrolled in English classes at the ESL school in Owen Sound. Classes run from 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday. We are looking for volunteer drivers who can take them either one way, one or more days per week, or who can drive both directions on a particular day. We are happy to work with whatever people’s schedules are.

Volunteers are required to complete a vulnerable sector background check, as is required of anyone working with refugees under Canadian law.

To volunteer or donate items, contact the SSRF at saugeen.refugeefund@gmail.com.