Many of you have questions about how you can best help Abbotsford’s new Syrian refugees. We have taken your most frequently asked questions and tried to answer them.
Syrian Resettlement: Frequently Asked Questions
How many Syrians are coming to Abbotsford, and when will they arrive?
160 Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) arrived in Abbotsford on February 22 and 23, 2016. Privately
Sponsored Refugees (PSRs) have been arriving since January 2016.
I want to help. Who do I contact?
There are a variety of ways that community members can help, including with donations (financial and
material), housing, transportation, language support, social and religious connections. For specific contact
information for various areas of support, please see the contact information listed.
What type of volunteer screening process should I expect?
All volunteers working directly with Syrian refugees will need to complete the following:
- Application form (with references)
- Interview
- Criminal record check
- Orientation session
- Drivers abstract (if assisting with driving)
What qualifications do I need to be a volunteer driver?
All volunteer drivers will need:
- A clean driving record
- $3 million liability on their insurance policy
- A cell phone with them in the vehicle
- A first aid kit to treat minor injuries
- Emergency first aid and CPR certification
- Emergency road signs in case of breakdown
Please note that drivers will not be reimbursed for mileage.
I have a room available in my house. Is this helpful for Syrian refugees?
No. ACS is looking for independent units for rent, with a minimum of 3 bedrooms.
If I lease an apartment to Syrian refugees, how will they pay for rent?
GARs have access to financial assistance from the government for one year after arrival through the
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). The exact rate depends on the size of the family and is tied to social
assistance rates. For PSRs, housing is paid for by the sponsor for one year after arrival.
I am interested in providing educational support for Syrian refugees. What type of support will they need?
The new families have a wide range of language skills, educational backgrounds, and work experience.
Tutoring support will likely be needed for children, youth, and adults.
I’m a local business owner and am interested in employing Syrian refugees. Who do I contact?
If you have job opportunities, please contact Ranni.Sangha-Tolman@AbbotsfordCommunityServices.com
604.859.7681 x277
I’d like to sponsor a refugee or refugee family. What do I do?
All sponsorships must be done through a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). The local SAH is the
Mennonites Central Committee. Contact Ron at MCC for more information.
Ron VanWyk (Director of Programs, MCC): 604-851-7722
ronvanwyk@mccbc.ca