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Lacombe Refugee Effort receives anonymous donations

Organization hopes to help third family
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Syrians Naema and Bashar Al Omar, left, came to Canada in 2016 due to the work of the Lacombe Community Refugee Effort. (File Photo)

Five years ago, the first family arrived.

Eight months before they arrived Marlene Ironside with the Lacombe Refugee Effort did research and worked on publicity.

The Refugee Effort got support from schools, churches, and donations from random citizens wanting to make a difference.

When Bashar and Naema Al Omar arrived, they were traumatized.

They had been living with Naema’s sister and Bashar’s brother with 16 other people in a farm shed.

“We wanted to reunite this family, so we started with Khadija and her two teenagers, who now live in Lacombe,” said Ironside.

Now they want to bring Bashar’s younger brother his wife and children to Lacombe.

“Much of the community has a vested interest in this story. There is tons of paperwork including a detailed narrative of their lives and movements for years.”

An anonymous donor has said between the months of May and August they would match donations up to the amount of $15,000.

“If the community got on board there is a chance, we can raise the full amount. Then we could focus on the process and preparation instead of how to fundraise during a pandemic.”

The family the organization is looking to help out is Ibrahim Al Omar, his wife, two daughters and one son.

The budget, worked out with the sponsorship agreement holder is a total of $39,900 needed for one year of support, said Ironside.

“We have the first $9,000. Our typical fundraisers are out of the question during a pandemic, so the offer of a matching campaign is a major boost.”

The group has brought two families, and this will be the third.

“All of our families are related, as our focus is on reunification.”

Currently the Lacombe Community Refugee Effort has support from Wolf Creek Community Church, Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Woodynook Christian Reformed Church, St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church and St. Andrew’s United Church.

“We have representatives in other churches with informal involvement as well. There are concerned citizens throughout Lacombe, and we have enjoyed participation and support from diverse sectors,” said Ironside.

Right now, the organization is working on raising funds in preparation for the next step, she said.

“When we get word that they can travel, still probably over a year away, then we will need a rental home, furniture, household items, and clothing.”

If people are interested in learning more about the Lacombe Community Refugee Effort they can visit and share the groups page on Facebook.