Groups team up to bring Syrian refugees to Newfoundland and Labrador

In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis, a number of groups in Newfoundland and Labrador are working to help bring Syrian refugees to this province.

• 'No cap' on number of Syrian refugees N.L. can accept

The Northeast Avalon Refugee Sponsorship Committee held a public information session on sponsoring refugee families on Monday night.

The Association for New Canadians in St. John's is just one group working to provide refugees with a new life. The association saidthere are plans in place to bring at least two families of Syrian refugees to the province, but they want to see more.

"With support from the community, I think Newfoundlanders and Labradorians could do a lot to help bring Syrians here," saidprogram co-ordinator Ken Walsh.

"I'm very pleased and I'm very hopeful to continue with the momentum we've built so far and bring some more families here."

Walsh saidthe associationis also sponsoring a third family, while working witheight other organizations to help out more Syrians fleeing the country.

Setting up a support system

The Association of New Canadians will be leading a presentation for those interested in sponsoring Syrian refugees on Tuesdayat 6:30 p.m. at the Crow's Nest Officer's Club.

Walsh saidhe doesn't think the recent attacks on Paris will prevent Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from welcoming refugees.

A Room for One is a newly-formed volunteer organization also working to provide support to Syrians. The group needs help to bring a family of refugees to the province, and met on Monday to discuss the necessary financial and volunteer commitment.

According to representative Mike Dwyer, A Room for One may have only recently formed, but is eager to help. He saidit's important to build public support, get the refugees here as soon as possible, and set up a solid support system.

Their goal is to settle a family of four or six Syrians in the capital city.