The Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group (KRRG) drew a capacity crowd Monday night at Kimberley Aquatic Centre’s meeting room, donated by the City of Kimberley.

KRRG’s initial goal is to welcome two refugee families from Syria or Iraq to Kimberley.

After attendees viewed KRRG’s video presentation (available on its website and YouTube, KRRG’s Chair Peggy Frederikse stressed that fund raising is the first and most pressing issue. Before KRRG can participate in Canada’s Government Assisted Refugee program, it must have at least $15,000 in the bank and treasurer Louise Hockley reported a current balance of approximately $4,400.

Direct donations can be made at the Kimberley Savings and Credit Union and by making out and mailing checks to the Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group, 452 Forest Crowne Rise, Kimberley V1A 0A5. Both Kimberley & District Community Foundation and KRRG are accepting donations on their respective websites (select 1. Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group) and www.kimberleyrefugees.ca.

Both individuals and businesses are urged to donate. Lee Scott, team leader for the fundraising group, invited active involvement in helping to raise funds He can be contacted at [email protected] or (778-481-5282). In-kind donations are also welcome.

Core group members fielded questions focused on, ‘How can I get involved?’ Attendees signed up to join a wide variety of Refugee Settlement Teams and sub-groups, and more are needed.

Each Team is initially being led by a Core Group member: Fundraising, Lee Scott [email protected] (778-481-5282); Establishing Refugees’ Financial Relationships, Louise Hockley [email protected] (250/427-3726); Introduction to Kimberley’s Social Opportunities, Sam McCurdie [email protected] (250-581-1600); Transportation, Peggy Frederikse <[email protected] (705-787-8252); Housing, BA Price [email protected] (250-432-5502); Education, Ken McCrae [email protected] (250-427-4715); and the Medical Team, led by Colin MacKenzie [email protected] (250-447-5354). Paula Gordon [email protected] and Paul Willis [email protected] are creating processes for the newly formed Accountability and Assessment Committee. Ms. Gordon is acting as Ombudsman for both refugees and volunteers.

This was KRRG’s first in a series of evening meetings. Looking ahead, it plans a number of events (ideas and volunteers welcome), starting with participation at the Kimberley Winter Market, February 14. Participants in KRRG will be present to answer questions and accept donations via checks or credit cards.

To schedule the KRRG video presentation for a group or organization, contact Dave Hale [email protected] (250-427-4300). Further questions can be addressed to KRRG Chair, Peggy Frederikse [email protected] (705-787-8252) or Co-Chair Becky Pelkonen [email protected] (250/425-1288).

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