qathet Refugee Sponsorship group to host second fundraiser to bring in family

qathet Refugee Sponsorship, a group established to sponsor a refugee family into the community, will be holding a fundraiser this weekend.

On February 27, at 1:30 pm at the Patricia Theatre, there will be the showing of three short films and then a panel discussion will be held to enlighten the community about refugee sponsorship. Admission to the event will be by donation.

Ellen Byrne said this is the second fundraiser the group has held. The first was in September of last year when a run for refugees was held. Sean Byrne covered the entire 180-kilometre length of the Sunshine Coast Trail and raised about $6,000 for the sponsorship group. The organization needs to raise $26,000 to be in a position to bring a refugee family into the qathet region.

Ellen said for the second fundraiser, after the short films have been screened, the panel discussion will feature Liz Brach, from the Hands Across the Water refugee sponsorship group that brought in two refugee families. The panel discussion will also feature two refugees from Syria who have been brought into the community, plus Ellen, who is the chair of qathet Refugee Sponsorship.

“We don’t have a refugee family coming yet until we have the money,” said Ellen. “We are working to get enough money to bring a family here.

“When we have enough money, the way it works is there will be different profiles the government has, and you choose a family you think would be good for your community.”

Ellen said when the organization has collected the $26,000, it will cover the initial start-up fees and six months of living expenses. She said with the program her group has chosen, the government pays for the other six months.

“We are in charge of providing living expenses and financial support they would need,” said Ellen.

For the February 27 event, Ellen said there will be capacity restrictions at the theatre, with 130 people allowed in. Vaccine passport checks will be undertaken, masks will be required and there will be hand sanitizer for patrons’ use.

There will be coffee, tea and baked goods to purchase.

Ellen said she believes the Patricia has given her group use of the facility at no cost so that proceeds from the donations box can be maximized.

She said her group plans to continue sponsoring fundraising activities throughout the community until enough funds are raised to sponsor a family.

“We are hoping we can do it sometime in 2023,” said Ellen. “I can’t wait until we have enough money to do it.”

Ellen said qathet Refugee Sponsorship is comprised of 10 people, has been meeting since May 2021, and is always looking for new members. She said she started a Facebook page and invited members, had a first meeting, and attraction since has been word of mouth.

For more information on the sponsorship group, or to donate, email [email protected].