Regrets: Fr. Anderson, Connie Booth, Julia Hillock,
Theresa O'Connor, and Sid & Sharon Cebrowski
1. Opening Prayer: Karen
Dysart asked Brian Thornton to lead us in prayer as we prepare to receive Anwar
and Noor.
2. Agenda: Item 5 a) Name
Tags was added. The agenda was then
accepted as modified.
3. Approval of Minutes: A
motion was moved by Rudy Habesch and seconded by Genevieve Poirier-Murphy to
approve the minutes of May 25, 2016.
4, Clergy Update:
Karen stated that there will be full cooperation from the new pastor.
5. BVOR Plan Update
a)
Diocese of Hamilton: Erin Pease will advise the committee when she hears from
the government. We are requested not to
call regarding this issue.
b)
Housing: Permanent- Helen Danko stated that an apartment has been leased
for August 6. Helen and Brian submitted
the required documentation and the application has been approved by the
landlord. The couple will sign the lease
after they arrive. The unit is one
bedroom on the 15th floor facing Sixteen Mile Creek at 199 Queen
Mary Drive. The rent is $1,320. Cable has to be arranged with a provider and
it will be newly painted. Since the
windows are floor to ceiling Helen will enquire whether the present renters
would sell/donate the window coverings.
An elevator will be be set aside for two hours on the moving day. Karen thanked Helen, Brian and Charmaine for
their efforts to secure housing.
Temporary-
Liz and Maury Whyte have checked out accommodation at Sheridan College student
residences for couples at 1410 Trafalgar Rd.
The suites have 2 bedrooms, bathroom and kitchenette with a fridge and
microwave. There is weekly housekeeping
with linens, bedding and toiletries supplied.
There is a communal kitchen, bring your own dishes and cookware. The cost is $47. per night, including
tax. The committee consensus was that
this is a viable temporary accommodation if available when the couple arrives.
c) Medical: Marg Humphrey reported that Julia Hillock has made
doctor and dental appointments for the couple.
Medical booked for
Tues., Oct. 4th, 9 am with Dr. Rizk (Arabic speaking) at Oak Park
Medical.
This
is a female doctor if Anwar is uncomfortable, there are 2 non Arabic speaking
male doctors at this location.
Dental
booked for Monday, September 12th 10 am with Dr. Tawil (Arabic speaking) on Kerr
Street.(arrive at 9:30 to fill out forms).
The appointments
were booked for these dates to ensure OHIP and IFH coverage.
d) Donation of Goods: Karen
stated that if anyone asked about or requested a tax receipt, it is for new
items only and a receipt must be submitted.
A volunteer
schedule was circulated for assistance after masses on June 18-19 and
collection of goods on Saturday, June 25 between 1 and 3 pm. Volunteers are asked to mark “received” on
the list of items as they are brought in.
The items will be stored behind the curtains in the parish hall. For larger items, parishioners are asked to
hold on to them until the couple arrive and are able to choose for
themselves. Anyone who cannot keep the
item that long will be advised that St. Vincent de Paul may be able to use
it.
e) Approved
Drivers: Genevieve added her name to
the volunteer driver list. Although
drivers need someone to accompany them, that person does not have to be a member
of the committee nor screened by the parish.
Nerina Murray said that she can accompany a driver.
f) Language Training: Liz stated
that Sheridan College offers LINC at levels 5 & 6.
Rudy mentioned that
his wife Lina has been hired by the HRCSB as a Settlement Worker and the board
offers ESL classes at Thomas Merton Centre on Speers Road. Rudy to check if ESL is free or is there a
charge.
Charmaine will
purchase a deck of Arabic to English language cards for $10. If anyone is interested, contact her.
g) Welcome Dinner: Georgina
said that Charmaine and her had a delicious dinner at Adonis Restaurant. They talked to the owner Kerry and she will
provide the following meal for $25. A 6
oz. chicken slovaki skewer, a shish kafta (beef) skewer, rice, taboule and
hummus with pita bread. Committee
members who wish to attend will pay for their own meal.
Another point
mentioned was the fact that if they arrive on or before July 6, it is Ramadan,
so the welcome meal may have to be after that fast.
Charmaine talked to
her about the fact that she had offered a job for one of them. She believes that it is an opportunity to
learn working English as she allows only English to be spoken in the kitchen. She also believes that it boosts their self
esteem to be earning some money. There
was an area of concern as to whether they could be earning a wage as long as
they were being sponsored by the government.
Norm/Karen to check this out with Erin.
Identified Gaps and Need for Assistance
1) Bus Transportation:
Nerina and Charmaine volunteered to familiarize themselves with the bus routes
and orient the couple regarding the system.
2) Communications: Sybil
Percy made enquiries regarding a land line vs. a cellphone. A land line seems to be more expensive. It was decided to wait until they arrive to
supply them with a cellphone and possible computer.
6.Calendar of
Activities: Karen composed a calendar for the first 2 week post arrival.
The committee is to fill in their section and email it to her or bring a copy
to the next meeting.
Norm is putting
together a Vacation Calender. Send him
your away times till September.
a)-Arrival Day- Sharon is to bring
documentation for their arrival, i e proof of address.
-Arrival Binder & Name Tags-
Genevieve showed us the arrival binder that she has put together for the
couple. She distributed name tags to the
committee with their picture and name in English and
Arabic. These should be worn when
volunteering with the couple and at the parish when volunteering for the
committee.
7. Transfer Committee Chair
back to Norm
Norm thanked Karen for the
excellent work done in his absence.
a)
Next Meeting: Tentative date- Wednesday, June 29 at 7 pm. in the Parish
Centre
If couple arrives before then, a quick
meeting may be called.
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