PURPOSE

The Refugee Committee is a liaison between refugees and churches, pastoral charges, and the Presbytery.
The Committee acts as a liaison by:

a) promoting the sponsorship of refugees and
b) by informing the pastoral charges of Lambton Presbytery of the needs of refugees coming to Lambton County

This Committee is accountable to the Division of Mission in Canada of Lambton Presbytery and to London Conference.

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship is a commitment for one year beginning upon the arrival of the refugee(s) whereby a church, pastoral charge or the Presbytery as a whole, agrees to provide the necessary support to enable a family or an individual to become a self-supporting and self-sufficient member of a community within a new culture.

The following process is what is required to sponsor refugees: 

The extent of interest in the church, pastoral charge, or presbytery must be determined.

a) A letter to the Office of Church in Society, Division of Mission in Canada must be written regarding the intention of sponsorship.
b) On reception of the form from the national office of the United Church, the form and written intentions must be taken to the Canada Immigration Centre for verification.

A committee at the local level must be established to co-ordinate the hands on responsibilities which will include the caring for both the physical and emotional needs of the newcomers.

Responsibilities will include:

a) a possible apartment, house and household articles
b) medical and dental aid
c) budget established including rent, food, phone bill, extras
d) meet and greet the people
e) arrange for OHIP, SIN numbers, family allowance, bank account
f) introducing refugees to grocery stores, parks, places of entertainment, English courses, orienting refugees to all aspects of Canadian life
g) help find employment; 
h) introduce the family to the United Church congregations in the Presbytery through special events, meals, meetings
i) visit, phone and keep in contact