Kemptville to welcome refugee next month

The North Grenville community is growing. A local group is sponsoring a refugee, due to arrive next month. The single man, originally from Iran, speaks English and has some training in computer programming.

Katie Nolan, Co-Chair of Open Arms, says the group is working with the Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario to facilitate the private sponsorship. She explained the first step was selecting a refugee. Nolan noted you get access to a whole bunch of profiles featuring people pre-approved by the United Nations. 

She says everything happened very quickly. The group, which consists of around 20 locals, was formed in the summer. 

Nolan says the biggest challenge right now is trying to figure out housing. She explained the Government of Canada sets the budget for refugees and it’s very low, totalling around $1,000 monthly for everything. Nolan says the groups has $384 per month for housing to work with. 

She noted Open Arms is holding a Kitchen Party Fundraiser on Friday to help with start-up costs. The event is being held at Catered Affairs, from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Everyone is welcome and admission is by donation.