Refugee Family Arrives

By Karen Pidcock

REFUGEE COLOMBIANS — Mother, Martha (Marta) Grisales with son David 11, Natalia 5, and Valentina 3 arrived in Castlegar, Sept. 29, welcomed by members of the steering committee for the Kaslo Community Refugee Project, initiated by St. Mark’s Kaslo, and generously supported by many in the Kootenay region and the Diocese.

The Kaslo Community Refugee Project began with the Ven. Dirk Pidcock's proposal to St. Mark’s congregation at their AGM in January that they initiate a refugee sponsorship. Encouraged by the PWRD's 50th anniversary plan for 50 refugee sponsorships among Anglicans across Canada, and with seed money of at least $2000 to be matched by Canada Immigration, the project received support from Carolyn Vanderlip of PWRDF; Cory Rundell, Diocesan Refugee Coordinator; and Norrie Valencia of the Diocese of New Westminster. Six people from the greater Kaslo community joined with three parishioners forming a steering committee to begin the long process of planning and preparation. Significant $500 partnership donations resulted from letters sent to the entire East and West Kootenay Anglican parishes, and Kaslo area’s four other denominational congregations. Many individuals pledged or donated financial support as well. The goal of raising $22,000 to support a family of four for one year following their arrival has nearly been realized.

With PWRDF guidance, after evaluating local community, language, religious and educational resources, the committee decided that a Spanish or French speaking family could most easily be supported. Providing a profile of Kaslo's geographical location and social situation to Canada Immigration, the first profile sent for the committee's consideration was accepted easily. The sponsorship was for a Colombian woman and her three children who the U.N. Convention on Refugees determined had a well-founded fear of staying in or returning to their country of origin. The family had fled to Ecuador because of threats against them after her husband disappeared—presumed murdered.

On Tuesday, September 29, representatives from the Kaslo Committee welcomed Marta with her children (David 11, Natalia 5, and Valentina 3) when they disembarked the plane in Castlegar. The small group carried a sign saying "Bienvenido Colombians!" The group then helped the family settle into a comfortable, well-furnished rental apartment. The elder two have already begun school, and Valentina and Marta will be helped with ESL instruction and pre school opportunities offered also at the school.

A welcome reception is planned for the larger community to meet and greet them, and the committee is making headway on completing the necessary applications for all their entitlements as new Canadian residents. These do not include dental coverage, however, which will greatly stretch the budget to provide for much badly needed dental work. The feeling of gratitude is mutual indeed for the promising new friendships begun. The family appears to have made promising adjustments to their new country already.