A dozen or more Sarnia-Lambton organizations and individuals are mobilizing to sponsor Syrian refugees.
About 40 people attended an information session Friday morning at the Lambton Inn organized by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership.
General Manager George Mallay says he's extremely impressed with the local initiatives.
"There's a number of initiatives underway, more than we actually thought," says Mallay. "People that are working to bring refugees together and now we'll see this start to progress."
He says today's presentations will soon be posted on their website with contact information for involved community partners.
"The main initiatives are coming largely from the church organizations, from the Sarnia Muslim Association, and active groups that are forming and are looking at different ways of sponsorship, either through referrals, through having church soup kitchens or other types of events to make this happen."
Daphne Murray with the Lambton United Church Presbytery says they've looked into a blended VISA office referred program in partnership with the government.
"It's a 50/50 as far as the finances are concerned. Health coverage will be provided and once the family is cleared and they arrive in Canada, they have resident status," says Murray.
She says sponsoring groups would help provide housing and offer help for things such as getting children into school and setting up healthcare.
Several community representatives attended Friday's meeting, including an immigration lawyer, church organizations, local settlement services, and the Sarnia Muslim Association.
