The YWCA in Prince Albert is looking for donations of kitchen items in good condition that will help about 40 new refugees to the community build new lives. (YWCA website)

By Susan McNeil

Refugee arrival

New refugees arriving in Prince Albert

Mar 18, 2022 | 11:00 AM

The population of Prince Albert will be increasing by 40 people over the next month as the YWCA welcomes new refugees.

Of the 40 expected people, some have already arrived, and the rest will get here over the next few weeks, said the YWCA’s manager of settlement services, Carolyn Hobden.

“We have received 13 people who arrived yesterday, and we are receiving a couple more, further in the week and then before the middle of April, it will add up to about 40 people who will be coming to make Prince Albert their home,” said Hobden.

The new arrivals come from around the globe, but many of them are from Libya and have been waiting in other parts of Africa until they were able to get approval as refugees.

Some of the new residents are singles and others are families with children. Many of the single people are hoping to bring their families here at some point.

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What they all have in common besides their legal status is that they bring almost nothing with them.

“They arrive with just the suitcase they have with their clothing. They don’t bring any of the other items that are necessary for settlement here,” Hobden said.

Given the situation of the refugees and the YWCA’s lack of available storage, they are looking for donations of good, usable kitchen items such as pots, pans, dishes, cutler, glasses and cups and even towels.

Any unvaccinated newcomers will be required to isolate for two weeks in a hotel, so items such as new colouring books and crayons or small toys for children will also be helpful.

Also on the list of things needed is longer term accommodations, a more challenging task given the lack of available housing in the city.

“We have been able to work with Weidner and we have found some housing but of course it’s always limited in Prince Albert. So sometimes for larger families we’re also looking for anybody that has available housing in the community that they’re willing to rent to our clients, we’re always in need of that,“ said Hobden.

The last time Prince Albert had an influx of refugees that came from Syria, some community members gave them welcome bags with practical items like dish cloths but also included a more personal touch.

“Often there was a welcome card that said you are welcome to Prince Albert, we’re glad you came and then they put little notes inside from their children and their family and that was really appreciated by our clients, to know they are coming to a place that they are welcome,” said Hobden.

Because of COVID and related restrictions, a lot of refugees were not able to make the transition from their previous locations to Canada but that has now changed.

“These people have been waiting their turn to come to Canada and right now is the time when we’re able to get flights and get people out and on their way here to start their new lives,” Hobden said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow