Petawawa will be extending a warm welcome to 17 Syrian refugees who have spent the last 11 years in a refugee camp in Jordan. Members of the St. John’s Lutheran Church community in Petawawa are uniting to offer support to a family who fled the Syrian war.
The journey of the Jokhadar family captured the hearts of Jennifer Neville and Mayor Gary Serviss about two years ago. They took the lead in bringing them to Petawawa with the backing of the Canadian Lutheran World Relief organization and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Petawawa. Neville tells myFM how the family is one step closer to becoming a Petawawa resident.
They have agreed to co-sponsor the family and is dedicated to providing practical assistance upon their arrival. This includes securing clothing, furniture, interpreters, healthcare providers, school enrollment, language training, and assistance with employment searches. While expressing some concerns, Neville hopes the community can unite to support the Jokhadar family.
Neville expresses hope to see them in Petawawa within the next six months and she wants to spread the word to other communities to pitch in.
Support the cause by contributing through a designated TD Canada Trust account in Petawawa or via e-transfer to petawawarefugees@gmail.com. Tax receipts will be provided by the Canadian Lutheran World Relief for all donations.
(Written by: Emma Butler)
