A year in the life of the Kincardine and area sponsored refugee family

How quickly a year passes!

For everyone who interacted, supported, or sponsored in any way, the refugee family from Iran, on behalf of the Kincardine Refugee Committee, here is a summary of the family's year in Kincardine.

After many months of meetings and preparations by an amazing team of volunteers, the committee received word that an Iranian family, consisting of a mother, Mozhgan, (Moji), twins Amin and Yasaman, and their younger brother, Ramin, would be coming to Kincardine via Turkey, where they had waited for three-and-a-half years.

They arrived in Toronto, Aug. 15, 2016, and were met at the airport by myself and a very kind and lovely Farsi-speaking translator, which was very fortunate, as the committee thought they could speak a little English, but they could not!

Following a chance to rest and recover at an airport hotel, which had very kindly been donated, the family was met by a driver and van which had also been donated by a local business, along with a translator, for the journey home to Kincardine.

After settling into their new home, the next month was very busy, getting their health checked, government appointments, banking, etc. Everyone was so kind and helpful everyone during this time. Given that they spoke no English, it was not an easy task, but through kindness, generosity and patience, they were made to feel comfortable, and above all, welcome.

Once they had their first round of appointments over, the most important task was to teach them English, first in Owen Sound, thanks to an amazing team of drivers and their co-ordinator, involving very long days, five days a week.

While the family enjoyed the friendship of its English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers and fellow students in Owen Sound, unfortunately the weather was deteriorating as winter approached, so the ESL team began the process of reaching out for local volunteers, and started training them here in Kincardine. This was an incredibly dedicated team that managed to take Amin and Ramin from not speaking English to being able to communicate without assistance. Moji and Yasaman were able to read and write in English, but were very shy when it came to speaking English.

The committee soon found out that these people were extremely hard-working, and wanted nothing more than to get on their feet and become self-supporting here in Canada. They were helped by the very kind staff at the local employment agency, and by several businesses in Kincardine, that all took a chance by hiring employees who spoke very little English at the time. You made a huge difference in their lives! They will never forget your kindness.

So many things took place during the year, and there were so many businesses and individuals that were so generous, that to try to mention them each by name would be impossible, and we would hate to miss some of you, but here are a few instances that really had a positive effect on their lives: 
 

• The kind business owner, who upon meeting the refugees downtown when they first arrived, invited them into his store and outfitted them with sports and swim wear, and then extended an invitation to return when winter approached.
• The anonymous patron who arranged through, and with, another local business to outfit the family for skating, rented the arena and taught them how to skate as a Christmas present, it was a very generous thing to do.
• The Kincardine Adult Soccer Association sponsored Amin for the entire year, and although at first he could not imagine why or how you would play soccer indoors (he soon found out why,) he thoroughly enjoyed it, and it helped him through a difficult first winter here in Canada. Summer took him back to the soccer fields, where he could follow his passion, sometimes playing three games per week. You all impacted on his life in the most enjoyable way, and he made friends he will never forget.
• To each and every one of the medical staff who came into contact with the family and looked after their health needs, at the medical centre and hospital, especially Marie and Dr Roth, McKechnie Pharmacy, Kincardine Family Eye Care, and Lakeview Dental Services. You all showed such kindness, compassion, patience, and reassurance, and your commitment to this family was outstanding.

With so much going on - school, work, birthday parties, soccer, kayaking, volleyball on the beach, and especially the pipe band parades - the year passed quickly. Eventually, it became obvious that in order to continue their education and succeed in their new lives, the family reluctantly made the decision to move nearer to their chosen colleges.

The Kincardine sponsorship ended in August, but many of the committee members have formed a friendship with this family which will be ongoing.

Ramin, Moji and Yasaman now reside in Toronto, where Ramin and Yasaman are attending post-secondary education, perfecting their English before going on to study nursing for Yasaman, and as an electrician for Ramin. While they have been there only a couple of months, they are off to a very good start, with Ramin already finding part-time employment, and Yasaman and Moji perusing options for such.

Amin has chosen to take an intensive ESL course, in order to attend university and follow his dream of becoming an engineer. H also has found employment to help him with this, and he hopes to return to this area once he has his degree.

The Kincardine Refugee Committee learned a great deal during this past year, encountering many obstacles that had to be overcome when a family cannot communicate. Without the support of so many dedicated volunteers, plus an amazingly inclusive, kind and generous community, this venture would not have been possible.

On a personal note, as the primary contact for this family, I was overwhelmed by just how inclusive, and generous the community has been. Acts of kindness were shown from the very simplest words of welcome, a hug, invitations into homes for family dinners, to shopping trips; and the most important gift - time dedicated to helping them. I never once encountered a negative comment, or reception while with the family on our daily outings. The people of Kincardine, Huron-Kinloss and Tiverton should feel very proud of their community.

Amin, Ramin, Moji and Yasaman left with wonderful memories of their first home in Canada, and have expressed enormous gratitude to everyone. They hope to return for visits when they can.

As there is a potential for a second family, and with funds remaining, there will be a community meeting of the Kincardine Refugee Initiative, Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m., at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, to discuss if there are enough volunteers and interest to sponsor another family.