Over the past year and a half, Summerland has shown itself as a welcoming place for refugees.
The community has brought in three families of Syrian refugees, one sponsored by Summerland United Church and two under the umbrella of the Summerland Refugee Sponsorship Group.
This amount of support is amazing, especially in a small community.
Summerlanders have donated furniture, household items and food to help the new families.
Others have donated money, including some large donations from individuals and families.
Some have offered donations of services to help those who are relocating here.
This outpouring of generosity has showed Summerlanders at their best, working together to help those who are in need.
And the support has helped each of the families as they adjust to living in a new country and adjusting to a new language and culture.
It’s a big adjustment for each of the families, and while they have been adapting, the process is lengthy.
The commitment from the sponsoring organizations is impressive.
In addition to fundraising efforts, volunteers have spent a lot of time with each of the families.
While sponsoring agencies are required to support families for a period of one year, the process of adjusting to a new country often takes a lot longer.
Even after the sponsorship obligation periods are over, it will still be important for to provide continued support.
As long as the need remains, Summerlanders will remain generous in providing help.
This, after all, is how we show our community spirit.
