At the 2016 Winter Market, the Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group (KRRG) passed an exhilarating milestone.

It raised more than a thousand dollars on Valentine’s Day afternoon. “We’ve now passed the halfway mark toward the minimum $15,000 we must have in our checking account before KRRG can select two families to settle here,” reported KRRG’s Co-Chair Peggy Frederikse. (Other requirements are on KRRG’s website, kimberleyrefugees.ca.)

The group is especially grateful for the community outpouring of generosity, since this was KRRG’s first fundraiser. In addition to generating critical dollars at the Market, KRRG’s Communications Team leader Colin MacKenzie is also encouraged to have expanded the public’s understanding of KRRG’s background and aims and to sign up new volunteers.

Building on this promising accomplishment and to accommodate newcomers, KRRG’s next meeting is in the evening, Tuesday, February 23. From 6:30 to 8 p.m., the City of Kimberley is again providing the Aquatic Centre meeting room.

KRRG’s variety of teams will give updates and welcome newcomers to a wide range of opportunities for individuals and groups to be part of making Kimberley “a good place to be welcoming.”

Essential as the funds are to get the process started, Fundraising Team Leader Lee Scott is also encouraged that such significant financial involvement represents the eagerness of individuals across the community and beyond to be included. He’s convinced it will also encourage businesses, corporations, foundations and service clubs to step forward now, and in the future.

The scene of KRRG’s successful debut in fundraising was the 2016 Winter Market (pictured above). Louise Hockley, KRRG Treasurer, attributed the accomplishment to direct cash contributions at the market and to the sale of tickets both to KRRG’s raffle and for one of two upcoming fundraising Mediterranean dinners, March 9 and 11. The Green Door is providing space and assistance for these dinners, tickets are now on sale at Snowdrift Cafe or by calling Jill at 250-432-5447.

Becky Pelkonen, KRRG’s Co-Chair, thanked local vendors for the generous raffle prizes that, along with a “Rick’s Rants” video and colourful brochures, drew people to KRRG’s booth.

The raffle’s first prize was two free nights at The Lodges at Kimberley Ridge, courtesy of Kimberley Lodging Company. Winner: Jim Wernham. Rochelle Roe won second prize, a framed, an original painting by artist Ruth Goodwin. And the attractive Basket of Goodies, courtesy of Flowers Galore Gifts & More, now belongs to ticket-holder Peng Smith.

Finally, KRRG ‘donation houses’ also made their debut at the Market. They’ll soon appear in local businesses all over town accepting cash and check donations to KRRG. Accompanying them are colourful information brochures printed by Cranbrook’s Amigos Printing. Its proprietor, Rene Cristales, was himself once a refugee. Fleeing Guatemala 30 years ago, Canada welcomed him, he remembers, a young man with no English and two small children. Mr. Cristales donated the brochures, he said, as a token of his appreciation and because he knows what it is for a family to flee danger.

The third KRRG fundraiser will be a Wasa Spaghetti Supper co-hosted with the Wasa Lions. It’s March 19, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Wasa Community Hall. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors. Youngsters five and under, no charge.

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