New refugee family moves in, another expected soon

More refugee families have begun to arrive in Timaru, with one settling in just over a week ago, and another soon arriving.

Presbyterian Support South Canterbury Refugee Settlement manager Fiona Jackson said the family that had arrived were so grateful for the help of community groups in helping them to get to Timaru, and set up, , that they arrived in town with flowers to say thank you.

Jackson said the family has moved into a house recently prepared by Zonta Timaru and the family ‘‘appreciated’’ the work to ‘‘make the house a home’’.

‘‘The family is settling in nicely and greatly appreciated the community groups that have helped them set up their house and donate things to set them up,’’ she said.

Jackson said Presbyterian Support South Canterbury Refugee Settlement will help 110 individuals during this financial year.

In May, Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC) was confirmed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), along with Ashburton’s Safer Mid Canterbury, as two organisations to continue providing refugee settlement support services. PSSC’s contract for Timaru is for a further six years.

Zonta Timaru member Kate Flynn came up with the idea to furnish a house for refugees after a conversation with Multicultural Aoraki in 2020.

Members knew the age and gender of the children, so they could supply toys and decorate the rooms.

The house and the basic furniture were provided by Presbyterian Support South Canterbury Refugee Settlement and the Zonta Timaru volunteers decorated and furnished it.