Most of the funding needed to sponsor a Syrian refugee family has been received.
The family arrived in Summerland in late March, sponsored by the Summerland United Church.
The costs of sponsorship for the family’s first year in Canada are estimated at $18,000.
David Sparks, co-chair of the church’s sponsorship committee, said the support has been significant.
“We got an unexpected grant,” he said. “It’s made a big difference.”
By the time the family had arrived, the church had raised roughly $8,000 for sponsorship costs.
Sparks said the family of five are making the adjustments to life in Canada.
The parents, Mohammed Hussam Albetar and Nadya Alsagher, are studying English at the South Okanagan Immigrant Resources Centre in Penticton.
Their three children, Bayan, Razan and Ghassan Albeter are enrolled in schools in Summerland.
“People have been really good about helping them,” Sparks said.
