Introducing Ahmad & Mirna

Parishioners may remember that at the time when we committed to supporting an incoming Afghan family, Freshta and Adela, we were also made aware of a Palestinian couple who were trying to come to Canada. At that time it appeared that it could be one to two years before their possible arrival, and so we committed ourselves to supporting them down the road.  A couple of weeks ago we received the exciting but surprising news that Ahmad and Mirna, the Palestinian couple, were being processed unusually quickly.  Things could stall for a couple of months, or not!

In this case we have two members of the Diocesan refugee office on our sponsorship committee.   Shannon Muir has had the opportunity to get to know Ahmad through frequent texting back and forth.  She says, “His reputation is that he is resourceful, smart, and kind and has helped many other refugees to come to Canada. He is extremely eager to find work and start a new life here. He said that he has had a dream of coming to Canada since he was a little boy. He has good English, a university degree, and is skilled in graphic design, photography, and online skills. Mirna is a hairdresser and so, she should not have difficulty finding work either. “

We realise that we need to start fundraising for their first year right away, and we already have a good start.  Shannon and friends have set up a bike ride sponsorship, and Elisabeth in our St. Mary’s office has begun a “Go Fund Me” campaign.  A link for donations on the St. Mary’s website has been established, and we hope very much that you will respond as generously as you have in the past.

Almost more urgent is to find people who can step up to help if Ahmad and Mirna should arrive in the next couple of months.   We have a list of tasks (such as meeting them at the airport, helping with paperwork, obtaining such things as a bus pass and a cell phone plan, finding a doctor, etc.) that you could choose from.  Speaking from experience, it is incredibly rewarding being able to help refugees when they first arrive… and one feels so proud of Canada for being so welcoming!

And, of course, we will need accommodation – first of all  a temporary place for them to lay their heads when they first arrive, and then more permanent housing for at least the first year.   If anyone knows of an accommodation possibility we would be extremely grateful to hear from you.

We are so happy for Mirna and Ahmad that their arrival in Canada is so imminent.   We do hope that you will be able to help us fulfill their dream.

Nichola Hall,

Chair, Refugee Sponsorship Committee