The individuals and groups who helped make Chatham-Kent a welcoming community for Syrian refugees, received the Feature Act Recognition on Monday, April 10, following the CK Plan 2035 update, Chatham-Kent; A Welcoming Community.
The Sponsorship Agreement Holders that were recognized for humanitarian commitment included:
– Chatham Catholic Parishes
– Chatham-Kent Muslim Association
– Dresden Christian Reformed Church
– Ridgetown Refugee Committee
– Tilbury Syrian Refugee Committee
– The Kent Presbytery – United Churches of Chatham-Kent
Mayor Randy Hope expressed that he is proud that Chatham-Kent has such great organizations that raised the funds to support others and gave them a chance to have a life that we enjoy and dream about each day.
Karen Debergh on behalf of the Wallaceburg Chamber of Commerce thanked the private Sponsorship Agreement Holders, and described them as an inspiration as they brought over 35 newcomers to Chatham-Kent.
Doug Goodreau from the Dresden Christian Reformed Church explained that after seeing an image of a young child washed to shore, he felt compelled to help some of the Syrian people escape from the war.
Additionally, Hassan Elmohamad from the CK Muslim Association had shared when the government had announced that communities could sponsor some families, he saw this as a chance to save a human life
The Feature Act recognition ceremony was held at the Civic Centre during the Chatham-Kent CK Plan 2035 Update, a regular televised discussion forum hosted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and TV COGECO.
Feature Act is a recognition program of the CK Community Leaders’ Cabinet in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce and the Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce, which thanks citizens for building a better Chatham-Kent.
All past Feature Act recipients are displayed on the first floor of the Civic Centre.
Here is a video, which coincides with last night’s presentation:
– Photo credit: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
