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Support takes many forms and needs commitment continued from p.16 The two churches made their application in late October 2015 and were told at that time that the process could take 12-14 months. Stinson said plans were to fundraise for the family during 2016, however, things accelerated when the government contacted the committee just a few weeks later with news the family would arrive in Canada by the end of 2015. Worries unfounded "Amazingly, there are many, many different people that are so generous that our worries about trying to raise money were unfounded," said Stinson. "So many people in the congregations and community were so generous, not only with money, but also with supplies, clothes, furniture and everything else we thought the family might need." The two congregations had a goal of raising approximately $25,000, which they exceeded -- raising more than $43,000. A local apartment They also succeeded in finding a local apartment for the family. "Whenever we needed something, all we had to do was mention it and soon it was there. I don't think there was anything we asked for that didn't get donated," said Stinson. "People were just wanting to help. Every Sunday, they were asking for updates. `How is the family doing? Do you need this? I have this.' It was really nice to see that." Glen Abbey committee member Chris Middlebro said there was also widespread support for the family, not just from that congregation, but from organizations associated with the church. A stroller donated In one instance, a stroller was donated after Glen Abbey put out the word about the need to families using the preschool housed in the church. Representatives from both churches were on hand when the family arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport Dec. 9, 2015. Following a welcome dinner at the home of a committee member, the refugees were brought to their new apartment where they began their new lives in Canada. Initially overwhelmed "I think they really liked it and I think they were overwhelmed by all the stuff. The furniture, the apartment, everything. I think they were just overwhelmed," said Wendy Walker, St. Paul's committee member. Working on English Middlebro said the man and wife are now working through English classes, learning how to manage finances, and how to dress for the Canadian weather, among other things. The church group emphasized their work is not complete just because the family is now here. Providing support Glen Abbey committee member Paul Peters said the job now is to provide support because, with no relatives or friends in the country, the group is really all that stands between the refugee family and isolation. Phone call in the night Peters said providing this support could mean getting a phone call in the middle of the night from the family because their child is sick and 19 | Thursday, February 25, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com I think they really liked it and I think they were overwhelmed by all the stuff. The furniture, the apartment, everything. I think they were just overwhelmed. Glen Abbey United Church member is good for the refugees because it allows them to interact with people of a similar background and learn how others succeeded settling in Canada. With the refugees now settling in, the church group says the experience has been rewarding. There was an urgent need "I think we did this because we realized there was a need, an urgent need. I think you can get turned around by the numbers and wonder if you can really make a difference. We really had the opportunity to make a difference," said Stinson. "You can't help everyone, but you can help someone." "I think we did it because that is the type of community we are," said St. Paul's Minister Deborah Laforest. "That's what we represent, helping others." Both church groups emphasized they are involved in a number of local charities and said they are capable of helping both their community and refugees in need of help. Anyone interested in contributing funds or services, can contact 905-845-3427 or email helparefugeeoakville@ hotmail.com. Chris Middlebro they need to know where to take her. On another occasion, Peters volunteered to drive the man to a darts competition in Kitchener as making connections for this family is something else with which the group is tasked. Recently, the sponsors were able to introduce the family to a Chin church in Kitchener. Stinson said this development Create, print and distribute direct mail across Ontario from 12 cents apiece. Looking forWork? Need to Hire? 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