How to help the homeless refugees
Sir: I would like to express sincere appreciation from the Refugee Committee of the four Christian Reformed Churches in Sarnia-Lambton for all who helped make the pancake breakfast at Sarnia Christian School on Dec. 12th a great success.
Many thanks to those who generously donated syrup, eggs, sausages, fruit and their time, for the media coverage and to those who came for breakfast or just dropped by to donate.
More than $10,000 was raised toward the goal of $54,000, which is needed to settle two refugee families in Sarnia-Lambton.
We eagerly await the arrival of one confirmed sponsored family consisting of a Syrian mom, dad, and three daughters, ages 6, 8 and 9, who have been in a refugee camp in Lebanon for over two years.
Please consider donating to any of the other churches, community groups and individuals that are also fundraising and preparing to bring in families.
All groups are still looking for housing, furniture and household goods. Clothing donations should be brought to any of the local Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, Bibles for Missions and Salvation Army stores to enable the families to shop for their own clothing.
For more information contact Art deGroot at 519-542-5009, [email protected] or Aruba Mahmud for local refugee settlement services at [email protected], 519-845-0801, ext. 5405
Art deGroot
Sarnia
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Refugees should fight for their country
Sir: Someone in the military has come up with a good plan for the refugees.
All males between the ages of 18 to 50 will immediately be inducted into the U.S./Canadian army and sent to basic training.
After basic, they will be loaded into aircraft and flown back to their home country and on arrival given weapons and ammo and told to go reclaim their country, and when they have accomplished that we will send their wives and children and any other countrymen and women back to them at no cost.
They will be paid the same as our soldiers while fighting for their country and their dependents will receive the same benefits as our soldiers’ dependents.
If they are not willing to do this, then they and their families can find another country to take them.
We should not have to send our military to fight for their country if they are not willing to fight for their own.
Bernice Rade
Forest
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Departing Cadet officer praised
Sir: On Dec. 15, the 44 Sarnia Imperial Royal Canadian Air Cadets held a change of command ceremony. The cadets, parents, staff, sponsoring committee and local dignitaries gathered at the headquarters to witness the change from Commanding Officer Captain Janet Erickson to Commanding Officer Captain Gord Gark.
During Captain Erickson’s tour, the squadron benefitted greatly, with cadet numbers nearly doubling and two new classrooms added to the squadron building at Brock and Devine streets.
As well, a Toastmasters Youth Leadership program was introduced and a debating team formed, helping cadets polish their public speaking skills and self-confidence.
Captain Erickson provided improved access to musical instruments and helped create a joint band with the 102 First Hussars Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
The departing CO also instilled community involvement, with cadets helping out Community Concerns for the Medically Fragile and the Inn of The Good Shepard.
From everyone involved with the 44 Sarnia Imperial Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a “Bravo Zulu” to Captain Janet Erickson.
We are saddened by your departure but know you will enjoy your time in the south this winter and your new residence in Bayfield, Ont.
Darren McKeegan
Squadron Sponsoring Committee
44 Sarnia Imperial Royal Canadian Air Cadets