Two years ago, the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) came to the Pembina Valley giving settlement services organization, Regional Connections (RC) the funding to help refugees find a new home in Canada away from conflict, refugee camps and danger in their home countries, according to RC Executive Director Steve Reynolds.
"It's hard to describe how much of a life change it is for a refugee. Often in particular, to not have just basic safety to know that you're not safe, that your kids aren't safe, that the future isn't safe, and the change to come to a place like the Pembina Valley and just have safety. To just be safe and not worry about your kids and their safety, and if they'll be ok tomorrow, and be able to move on with those other parts of life, like school and work and where to live. It's really life changing for people coming here."
RAP Coordinator Russelle Collantes said the program initially was approved by the Federal Government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for fifty clients to be supported in their settlement for one year, but recently the number has increased to 150 clients.
He outlined some of the ways RAP makes a difference in the lives of refugees coming to the area.
"Our responsibility is to make sure that these families can integrate in our area, and would know how to navigate themselves, especially here in our area with transportation. Everyone knows transportation is a big issue, especially for these families. It's a challenge for them, to be honest. Doing simple things by themselves is always a challenge for them, but I'm proud of these families because even with the cold weather, with all those circumstances, they're really willing to help themselves, to be independent."
Wednesday night, a RAP yearend celebration was held at the Bunker Youth Ministries building in Winkler.
Collantes explained the purpose of the fun evening filled with games for kids and adults, dancing, food and sharing stories. Over 100 people attended the event thanks to generous sponsors in the community.
"It's Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for our program and the staff, and also, it's just celebrating the families' new beginning here in our region. From where they're from. I don't even know how they were able to arrive here, with their experiences. So, it's just Thanksgiving for their new life here in Canada, the freedom that they all have, for their better future and for their families' better future."
Collantes said people finding refuge in the Pembina Valley come from a variety of countries and cultures, Afghanistan, Syria, and some African countries.
City of Winkler Councilor and Board Chair for Regional Connections Michael Grenier spoke to the value of the program for this area.
"The value of the Refugee Assistance Program to Winkler goes beyond just the jobs and the prosperity they bring to our community. It's that humanitarian aspect of it. Doing what we're led to do, whether it's through faith or just being a good human being, helping each other when we need."
He added, it's no secret Winkler and the surrounding area leads in giving, in volunteering and in helping newcomers as they settle into our community.
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