Refugee sponsoring
St. Paul’s Parish Centre in Summerside hosts one on May 17
The Diocese of Charlottetown is presenting regional information sessions on refugee sponsorship next week in Summerside and Charlottetown.
“My years on the Island have been overwhelming and challenging at times. But P. E. I. has provided me with a mixture of opportunities and the support services to enable me to take full advantage of those opportunities.” Parshu Giri
Th e Diocese of Charlottetown has been involved in refugee sponsorship for more than 35 years. From the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church, this endeavour is an important element of social justice ministry.
In order to maintain strong involvement in refugee sponsorship, two regional information sessions are being off ered:
– Tuesday, May 15, at the Jack Blanchard Centre at Holy Redeemer Parish in Charlottetown at 7 p. m.
– Thursday, May 17, at St. Paul’s Parish Centre in Summerside at 7 p. m.
Several guest speakers will be participating in these sessions including Dan Doran, former manager of the Immigration Offi ce in Charlottetown, Melissa Coffi n, settlement worker with P. E. I. Newcomers Association, Parshu Giri, former Bhutanese refugee, and David Th euerkauf, member of a community refugee sponsorship support group. “Th e overall purpose of these information sessions is to raise awareness regarding refugee sponsorship,” stated Doran. “In this way, people will become aware of the challenges involved but also the personal rewards and enrichment that sponsorship brings.”
It was almost 12 years ago that the first Bhutanese family arrived on Prince Edward Island. They were sponsored by the parish community of St. Francis of Assisi in Cornwall. Giri, at 13 years of age, was the youngest member of that family. Almost a dozen years later, she is now a Canadian citizen, is married, and later this year will complete his undergraduate degree in business at UPEI.
“My years on the Island have been overwhelming and challenging at times,” remarked Giri. “But P. E. I. has provided me with a mixture of opportunities and the support services to enable me to take full advantage of those opportunities.” Theuerkauf, now a good friend of Giri, noted, “Parshu is basically my brother… a brother I never had. And the Giri family, over time, exposed me to a new culture and this experience has made me a better person.” After the presentations, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Th e sessions will conclude at about 8: 30 p. m. Refreshments will be served.
Th e information sessions are directed primarily at parish communities but are open to the public. For further information email Gerry Gabriel at geraldfgabriel@gmail.com or phone 1- 902- 368- 8005, Ext. 231.