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Find out how to sponsor a Syrian refugee -- information meetings by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 13 | Friday, September 11, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The photo of three-year-old Alan Kurdi's body, washed ashore in Turkey, after his family tried to flee Syria's civil war, is an image etched in many people's minds, says Ward 5 Regional and Town Councillor Jeff Knoll. "I don't think there was anybody that was not affected by those photos," he said about the graphic image published by various media outlets and shared through social media to draw attention to the plight of Syrian refugees. It's what prompted him to reach out to Lifeline Syria, a group dedicated to recruiting, training and assisting sponsor groups to welcome and support 1,000 Syrian refugees coming to Canada as permanent immigrants to resettle in the GTA over the next two years. Knoll wanted to learn what he could do to help refugees who are seeking asylum from the conflict in Syria. "I think people in position of leadership need to set an example on issues that are important," he said, noting many of us go about our lives not "understanding or coming to terms with the enormity of the circumstances." With everyone's attention now on the Syrian refugee crisis, the Oakville councillor said it is important for him to help raise awareness and mobilize the community. He has teamed up with Lifeline Syria to host an information session for others like himself, who are looking to sponsor a Syrian refugee. The event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd., in the South Atrium at 8 p.m. Knoll said there has been a "huge avalanche of people" from his social network interested in helping through funds, time or resources. The meeting, he said, will share with residents how they can contribute. The cost to help settle a Syrian refugee family into Canada is $25,000-$30,000, dependent on size. The family also needs a sponsoring group to be their "champion in the community" to help them access services and settle in over the course of a year. Knoll said residents shouldn't be intimidated. "It doesn't matter how they get involved -- the issue is they need to get involved," he said. "People shouldn't feel intimidated that they have to take on something they cannot handle in their own lives. Nobody's asking anyone to give up a year of your life or to give up a substantial portion of their wealth. We're asking everybody to basically contribute based on their ability to contribute, whether that's kids with paper route money, adults with charitable givings or people who have expertise in the area who can help with settlement. If everybody takes a small piece of this problem, then collectively, we can do our bit as a country and a community." He said many faith groups are doing what they can to sponsor Syrian refugees, but with so many people displaced, he said the efforts of many are needed to make an impact. Knoll added the actions of residents and Canadians might even steer the government in how it responds to the crisis. "If we want the government to act, we have to, as they say dial with our dollars, and actually make it clear through our actions, as well as our giving, as to how we want to change the world. It's not just for the government to make that decision, it's for us," he said. For more details on the information session at Town Hall, visit lifelinesyria.ca. Those who are looking to help a specific family are encouraged to attend the Syrian Case Information Session the following night on Thursday, Sept. 24 at Harbour Banquet & Conference Centre, 2340 Ontario St. The night, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will walk residents through the process of private sponsorship of friends or family who are Syrian refugees. Need To Sell An Older Home? Call Us First! MA XIMIZE YOUR SELLING PRICE WITH E A SY TRIED & TRUE SOLUTIONS Often, the right inexpensive changes can make all the difference. Let us show you how! · Learn which reno's are the most profitable! · Avoid wasting your time & money. · 16+ years of experience. · 100's of homes sold. B O O K A F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N Cory Martin BROKER Glenn Martin BROKER OF RECORD 905-334-9195 MARTIN GROUP DIAMOND DIAMOND GOLD BAEU LER APPRO ED AyA Kitchens of oAKville 1195 north service roAd west 2512 Old Bronte Rd. SE c/o Bronte & Dundas, Oakville 905.847.1522 ayaoakville.com 905.827.3331