Refugee sponsorship information sessions set for May 15, 17

The Diocese of Charlottetown has been involved in refugee sponsorship for more than 35 years.

From the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church, this endeavor is an important element of social justice ministry.

In order to maintain strong involvement in refugee sponsorship, two regional information sessions are being offered this month. They are Tuesday, May 15 at the Jack Blanchard Centre at Holy Redeemer Parish in Charlottetown at 7 p.m. and Thursday, May 17 at St. Paul’s Parish Centre in Summerside at 7 p.m.

Guest speakers participating in these information sessions are Dan Doran (former manager of the Immigration Office in Charlottetown), Melissa Coffin (settlement worker with P.E.I. Newcomers Association), Parshu Giri (former Bhutanese refugee) and David Theuerkauf (community refugee sponsorship support group member).

“The overall purpose of these information sessions is to raise awareness regarding refugee sponsorship,” says 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 P.E.I. They were sponsored by the parish community of St. Francis of Assisi in Cornwall. Parshu Giri, 13, was the youngest member of the family. Almost a dozen years later, he is now a Canadian citizen, 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,” says Parshu.

“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.” David Theuerkauf, a good friend of Parshu, offered his comments.

“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. These sessions will conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The 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.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Presenters for two regional information sessions highlighting opportunities for refugee sponsorship meet together. The sessions are planned for May 15 and 17. From left are Parshu Giri, Dan Doran and David Theuerkauf. Missing from the photo is...