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2/19/2016

Our first family has arrived!

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Our family (with parents Sabah, Zuhir and their five young children) arrived in Ottawa on Thursday, February 18! They were greeted by many Unitarians and other members of our volunteer team. It was a wonderful welcome with much excitement and applause.  Sabah (the mother) said she was very nervous and worried until she saw us all at the bottom of the escalator. They were taken to their temporary residence, a two bedroom condo. The team shared a Syrian dinner with them, provided by a volunteer.
After living on a farm with a leaky roof near Beirut for the last five years, the family expressed their gratitude through our interpreter: "They are grateful to be here and to have had all of you who took the time to come greet them at the airport...they feel very lucky to have been chosen by you and are very excited to meet you... The kids are overjoyed and in heaven, they have not seen a toy in five years."

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Members of the Syrian Refugee group awaiting arrival of our family.

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2/17/2016

Our first Syrian family is arriving!

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The family of seven will arrive in Ottawa this week!  We are very excited to welcome them and help them settle into their temporary accommodation.  Most household items and furniture have been generously donated and the family is now well set up, however, we are still looking for the following:
  • a computer which can support Windows 7 (laptop or desktop)
  • a few kitchen chairs
If you can donate any of these items, please contact syrianrefugees@firstunitarianottawa.ca
 
Thank you to everyone who has participated in this effort - it takes a village to shelter a family!

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2/1/2016

Good news and sad news

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First the sad news―we are unable to sponsor the first family we chose, because we were advised by an immigration lawyer that it is unlikely they would pass the security checks used during the Canadian immigration process. This is the family composed of parents, two grandparents and four children. The Steering Committee made this decision after much reflection and deliberation.
 
The good news is that we have secured permanent housing starting April 1st for our second family (with five children). We are now looking for temporary accommodation in case they arrive before April 1st. If you have any suggestions, please let us know at: syrianrefugees@firstunitarianottawa.ca
 
Meanwhile, we are busy looking for another family through the BVOR list. 
 

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    The Board of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (FUCO) agreed to allow its Refugee Working Group to raise funds both within and outside the congregation to support a Syrian refugee family. Below are the answers to some questions you may have. 
    If you have any questions or would like more information on our work,  please contact: syrianrefugees@firstunitarianottawa.ca
    Questions and Answers
    Updates
    Can I still make a donation to the FUCO fund to sponsor a Syrian refugee family?
    Through the amazing generosity of many people from within and outside our congregation, we now have sufficient funds to sponsor our three families.
    Other local organizations who would welcome your donations include:
    United for Refugees
    and settlement agencies such as:
    OCISO,
    Catholic Centre for Immigrants
    Jewish Family Services.

    What else is needed?
    We may still need more people to give volunteer time over the course of at least a year to help settle the family in Ottawa. Tasks range from finding housing, to getting the children registered at school, to getting the family to medical appointments, to helping ease adaptation to our culture, and more. In-kind donations would also be appreciated. 


    Background
    Why is the FUCO doing this?
    Syrian refugees desperately need help and supporting Syrian refugees is consistent with the principles of our congregation.  The principles that particularly apply in our case are:
    • The inherent dignity and worth of every person;
    • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; and
    • The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
    There is strong support within as well as outside the congregation to help the Syrian refugees.

    How much money is needed to sponsor a family and what does this money cover?
    Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) requires at least $27,000 be raised, including “in kind” donations, for a family of four – but the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC), the umbrella organization for Canadian Unitarian congregations, says that $40,000 is more realistic. The CUC also suggests that another $3,000 is needed for every additional family member.

    What is the FUCO’s responsibility?
    Submitting the sponsorship undertaking means the congregation is legally responsible for the financial and moral support of the refugee family for one year as the congregation helps the family integrate into Canadian society.
    The congregation is not responsible for any debts the family may incur in Canada or before coming to Canada (e.g. travel loans).

     There are several mechanisms by which a refugee family can be sponsored in Canada. What one will we use?
    We will be applying under the Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH) mechanism. In our case, the holder of the Sponsorship Agreement is the CUC. Approval of sponsorship applications is faster when a SAH is involved. Our family will be identified from a government list of approved Syrian refugees under what is called the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program (BVOR). Choosing a refugee family from this list entitles the congregation to some financial help for the family from the federal government. 

    When will the family arrive in Ottawa?
    Families sponsored from the approved list take about 2 – 4 months to arrive from the time the government approves our sponsorship application. This application includes information on how costs will be covered, a settlement plan and the role of volunteers.
    -We currently have one family that has arrived and are settling in.
    THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

    SPIRITUAL HOME CAMPAIGN 
    2018

    To the casual observer, our church building may look to be in good shape, but a careful look shows a need for a few updates. The Spiritual Home Campaign seeks to address this need. You can download the campaign brochure in PDF format here.

    Details About the Campaign
    One project, installation of a monitor in Fellowship Hall, has already been completed, thanks to the generous support of Rev. Len.  If you also would like to take on responsibility for an entire project, please contact the campaign team at spiritualhome@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
    Donors are encouraged to direct their gift to whatever campaign project motivates them, but can also have their contribution used for whichever project needs it most.
    Once donations have fully accumulated towards a project’s estimated cost, the project item and its funding are added to the operating budget, to trigger the start of that project.  If a project doesn’t receive its full funding during the campaign this year, its donations will be rolled forward to next year’s Spiritual Home campaign. Conversely, a project may receive more donations than it requires; surplus donations would be redirected to other appropriate projects. Details about the identified campaign projects:
    All first two tiers fully funded!
    Install a security system ($7000)
    A camera-equipped security system would help to protect those in the building (staff, volunteers and renters) during off-peak usage.
    Fix several windows in Worship Hall ($5,000)
    Some of the “openable” windows no longer open, preventing natural ventilation. Replacing each window will cost about $1000 each.
    Refurbish front doors ($2,000)
    The front doors need resurfacing, and also some refurbishment for ease of opening/closing.
    Air conditioning for Fellowship Hall ($5,000)
    Fellowship Hall can become uncomfortably warm in the summer or during crowded gatherings. Appropriately-sized wall units are anticipated.
    Refinish floors in Worship Hall, Fellowship Hall and the Volunteer Room ($6,000)
    This project has been delayed for many years. Our Congregation and our renters should expect a venue that reflects our care and pride.
    Install efficient lighting ($6,000)
    More efficient lighting for Worship Hall, offices, and the exterior.
    Exterior painting 1/4 building ($9,000)
    Paint or stain as appropriate. Any window caulking that is needed is also done at the same time.
    Install Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) ($2,000)
    One never knows when an emergency will occur. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, even those with no prior symptoms. In such an emergency, an on-site AED can start helping before the ambulance arrives.
    Sound system upgrade ($6,000)
    Our sound and light technician will advise us on the best system that meets our needs.
    Replace toilets ($4,000)
    Nine toilets have been identified by the Property and Grounds team as due for replacement.
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​30 Cleary Ave   K2A 4A1   
613-725-1066
  
uuoffice@firstunitarianottawa.ca

"We acknowledge that our campus is located on traditional, unsurrendered and unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory;
and that the work of reconciliation is a responsibility of our congregation, and of all Canadians.  "Our goal is to educate ourselves and all
who have ears to hear, to be of service to those who are at risk, and to advocate for justice.

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  • What's Happening
    • Congregational Focus - Climate Action >
      • Green Sanctuary Accreditation
      • AJASHKI Garden Project
      • EARTH SPEAKS FORUMS
    • Pandemic Safety Protocols
  • About Us
    • Our Ministry Team
    • About Unitarian Universalism
    • Our Campus
    • Member Information >
      • Members' Page
      • Campus Planning Member Page
      • Governing Documents
      • Death Notices and Memorial Details for Members
  • Worship
    • Sunday Service FAQ
    • Past Sermons
    • Children's Religious Exploration
  • Get Involved
    • Music
    • Lifespan Learning
    • OWL
    • Social Justice and Activism >
      • Climate Action
      • Truth and Reconciliation
    • Fundraising
  • communications
    • Publications
    • Lectures and Presentations >
      • HOLTOM LECTURES
    • Archives
  • Ceremonies and Rentals
    • Weddings, Memorials, Child Dedications and other Rites of Passage
    • Facility Rentals
  • Contact Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Make a Donation