Wednesday, December 16, 2015
City of London
City hosts community meeting to welcome Syrian newcomers
Mayor Matt Brown, service agencies, faith groups and private sponsors are meeting today to share ideas to help support Syrian newcomers to London.
The purpose of this community meeting is to share information and develop a mutual understanding of how community groups can work together to plan for the arrival of Syrian refugees to our city so they can be successful in their resettlement.
“This is about a broad community strategy, we all have a role to play and something unique to bring to the table,” said Mayor Matt Brown. “I am so proud of the work our community is doing to help these families settle in their new homes. I am proud of what communities are doing across Canada.”
As a part of the community meeting, attendees will be asked to participate in breakout sessions to discuss themes that are key to the success of Syrian refugees in London; housing, settlement, education, welcome and inclusion, health and employment.
“This meeting provides an opportunity for us to coordinate our efforts to welcome the Syrian newcomers. Through this event, we will put in place important information that the newcomers need to be connected to the excellent services that already exist in our city,” said Sandra Datars Bere, Managing Director, Housing, Social Services and Dearness Home.
The City has also set up information on the London and Middlesex Immigration Portal at www.immigration.london.ca/LondonWelcomesSyrianNewcomers where Londoners can find more information on sponsorship, donations and supports in the community. Londoners can also donate to the newly launched United Way of London & Middlesex effort, London United for Refugees, at www.londonunitedforrefugees.ca.
Media Contacts:
Shobhita Sharma
Press Secretary - Mayor's Office
519-661-2500 ext 4850
ssharma@london.ca
Sandra Datars Bere
Managing Director, Housing, Social Services and Dearness Home
519-661-2500 ext 5337
sdatarsb@london.ca
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