By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

Lethbridge Family Services Gains $50,000 on World Refugee Day

Jun 20, 2016 | 4:32 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Communities across the globe are celebrating World Refugee Day this June 20, 2016.

Here at home, local organizations and city officials showed their support and gratitude for refugees with an afternoon of activities.

Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) was presented a $50,000 cheque on behalf of The Community Foundation of Southwestern Alberta, to go towards housing for newcomers.

Sandra Mintz, CEO of Lethbridge Family Services, said the agency felt especially compelled to highlight the newcomers who fought hard to be in Canada and their contribution in creating a rich and diverse country.

“I think with the plight of refugees coming to us from Syria and Fort McMurray this year it’s very important for us to enhance the community awareness of refugee experience.”

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Mintz personally thanked the residents and the intense collaboration from community agencies such as Flexibility Learning Systems, an ESL organization who have helped with resettlement.

Elma Guinto, Director of Flexibility Learning Systems, who has helped many refugees learn to communicate in their new country, spoke towards the importance of the community listening to the stories of refugees.

“This is a time for refugees to talk about some of their experiences and share some of their hopes and dreams in Canada. It also gives the community a chance to learn more about the newcomers.
Most of our students here today are Syrian refugees and it is difficult for them to be reminded of circumstances that they come from& a situation that they chose to be in. At events like this, they can talk about their experiences and share some of their hopes and dreams in Canada.”

Both Mintz and Guinto agreed that the community has been very open and supportive of Syrian refugees since their resettlement in January, 2016.

Refugees had the chance to share their experiences of resettlement in Canada.

Syrian Refugee and mother of two children Khadija Saleh, shared her vision of a peaceful and accomplished life in Lethbridge.

“Lethbridge is very good. I am happy and study in english now. I hope the war finishes in Syria. I hope my family comes to Canada and I hope for a good future for my kids and my husband.”

Khalil Farwan, whose family recently appeared on CBC’s The National after they escaped from Syria to Lethbridge by way of Jordan, spoke today to fellow refugees who have come to Lethbridge.

“We thank Canada, the country and the people for giving us the opportunity to share this beautiful land with you. Let us (Syrian refugees) respect the rules and policies of this country. Let’s give the right picture of who we are and let them know that we can help. Let us make Canadians feel that we are an added value to the country.”