Skip to content

Clothing and small housewares are needed for Syrian refugees

Friends, here is another opportunity for Bowen to be part of Canada’s huge effort to welcome refugees from Syria and help set them up for success in our country.

Friends, here is another opportunity for Bowen to be part of Canada’s huge effort to welcome refugees from Syria and help set them up for success in our country.

Right after the holidays, on Jan 2 and 3, we will collect high-quality, useful items that are surplus to your needs, and ensure they reach newly arrived refugee families who are fleeing the violence and oppression in Syria. The Legion has generously loaned us their space to make this project possible. (Thank you, Legion, for this crucial resource!)

WHAT TO GIVE The focus is QUALITY, not quantity. We are requesting items in excellent, near-giftable, clean condition. For housewares, smaller items only, please—no bigger than a toaster oven, say. (We will likely have to store most of the goods until agencies in Vancouver are ready to receive them; space is very limited.) If you do wish to donate larger items, such as tables and chairs, lamps, cribs and so forth, ask and we will make every effort to identify agencies that can accept them.

We expect to fine-tune this list soon, but for now we believe these types of items will be well received:

- Babies, Children, Teens: Clothing, outerwear, shoes, toys, baby gear. (Almost half of the newcomers are expected to be children!)

- Women: Coats, sweaters, pants and shoes are safe bets. Much of the typical Canadian woman’s wardrobe may not be suitable for the typical Muslim woman.

- Men: All clothing types, including outerwear and shoes. - Home: Small housewares, such as linens, blankets, small kitchen items, cookware, dishes, cutlery, small tools. And since our timing is perfect for “re-gifting”, feel free to include any new items such as soaps and toiletries...if you get a windfall of those things at Christmas.

Not sure if it’s something we can accept? Have ideas to add? Feel free to email: hprittie at shaw.ca

Please note: We are not collecting cash donations, and instead encourage donations to Bowen’s “30 / 30 Project” to directly sponsor a refugee family.

WHOWILL RECEIVE OUR DONATIONS?

We are working with Immigrant Services Society of BC (issbc.org) to ensure Bowen’s donations are properly distributed as people arrive over the next fewmonths. We are also reaching out to sponsor groups – especially Bowen’s “30 / 30” initiative – with the idea of assembling goods tailored to the individual needs of “their” families.

WHEN TO GIVE

We will be at the Legion during these hours, ready to receive your donations: (Monday, Jan. 4 is reserved for packaging and transporting.) • Saturday, Jan. 2 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Sunday, Jan. 3 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please set aside NOW the things you wish to donate, and we’ll post again closer to January 2 to remind you and fine-tune the list. Please also share this with your networks (to reach those not on social media). And we may need more volunteers to help sort and package.

Thank you!
Heather Prittie