Syrian refugee donation support 'tremendous,' says province

Halifax City Hall will double as a drop-off point for residents wanting to donate goods to the Syrian refugees arriving in Nova Scotia.

This comes as theprovince saysthe outpouring of support for the effort to support incoming refugeeshas so far been "tremendous."

In a release, the city said three days have been set aside to accept donations of small items.Goods that are needed include winter outerwear, backpacks and school supplies, toiletries, baby supplies and gift cards for groceries.

The donations will be taken to the larger donation centre run by the province at the former Rona location in theBayers Lake Business Park.

Nova Scotia Department of Immigration spokesman Andrew Preeper said on the first day the Bayers Lakedrop-off was open, 1,500 bags of clothing, 200 pieces of furniture, 40 baby strollers and many children's toys, toiletries and linens were donated.

Larger items such as furniture and electronics can't be accepted at the city hall location. It also cannot take financial donations.

The city hall drop-off centre will be open:

• Dec. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Dec. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Dec. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thefirst familyof Syrians is due to arrivein Halifax on Wednesday.

More information on the provincial donation centre can be found online or by calling 211.