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"A Family Tradition for 130 Years" By Heather McCrae Special to the Star Somewhere on the other side of the world, in the war-torn former country of Yugoslavia, a Bosnian refugee family is waiting patiently for the magic moment when they can leave their broken home behind and come to Canada, a land of peace and opportunity. Every day we read or see in the news how the horrors of war have left many refugees homeless or unable to return to their homes because of ethnic cleansing. These people need our help to survive in a new land. And they're going to get it, as it's expected a Bosnian family will be coming to Canada soon, and living within our community. When the idea of sponsoring and supporting a Bosnian family was brought forward at a meeting of the Prince Albert and Port Perry United Churches last June, both con- gregations voted to support the issue. Ed Daigle, spokesperson for the committee set up for the project, says the churches want the whole community to become involved, making it a combined effort to sponsor and support a refugee family. According to the United Church of Canada's guidelines on A. OPPERS LTD. They're looking to the community for help Local churches want to aid Bosnian ref refugee sponsorship, $5,000 is required initially, with another $15,000 needed to support a family for a year. Most of these people have lost everything. After being forcibly uprooted from their homes, they have little chance of ever returning to their home- land, Mr. Daigle said. "A family was ready to come here over the summer, but we couldn't take them because we . weren't ready," he said. When both congregations voted in favor of supporting a Bosnian refugee family it was done at the beginning of the summer. With people being away over the holiday months, the committee hasn't had time to work together. After contacting Canadian immigration authorities, Mr. Daigle says they don't know when another refugee family will be: ready to land on Canadian soil. "It could be next month, or early next year -- but this time we will be ready for them when they land," he said. Sponsors of a refugee family provide them with financial resources to live in the com- munity for a year, and help the family integrate into Canadian life. The goal at the end of the year of sponsorship is to have them self-supporting and jndependent. Although the committee Th t A the make-up of the refugee family, it does Ew there will be no more than four people, two of them being adults. "We don't know ifit's a moth- er, father and their two children or a mother with two children and a grandmother, Mr. Daigle said. Sponsors agree to take care of housing, clothing, furnish- ings, food, language training, job training, employment, health, personal support and funding for a year. It's a big bill to fill, but the two congre- gations are eager to do it and want to include the community, as well."We will take care of them and make their transition as gentle as possible," Mr. Daigle said. He also stresses you don't need to be affiliated with the United Church, or any other church, for that matter. "Doing good doesn't need an affiliation," he said. This is a prime project for semyvice clubs, individuals or other groups to get involved and help another family in severe distress. Along with Mr. Daigle, oth- ers serving on the committee are Lindsay Gibson (985-2221), Jill Bates (985-1231), who's acting as treasurer, Pat Bird WINDOWS - DOORS - AWNINGS - SUNROOMS » REPLACEMENT « EXPERT CUSTOM INSTALLATION or CASH & CARRY COMPETITIVE « PRICES! « All Wood e Wood - Aluminum * Wood - Vinyl « AllVinyl VISIT OUR EXPANDED SHOWROOM « All Aluminum Financing available RenoPlan CIBC FOR ALL YOUR WINDOW & DOOR NEEDS « NEW CONSTRUCTION 985-4910 193 North Street, Port Perry Shampoo-In Hair Colour a= ¥ ie Ss a AEE Church spokesperson Ed Daigle says local congregations are eager to bring a family from war-torn Bosniat here. (985-2801/9368), Norma Robinson (985-4376) and Dave and Wendy Bourgeois (985- 9314). If you can make a monetary Wel contact Mrs. Bates. Clothing, furnishings and lodg- ing will also be eee, one would also like the tunity of working with th bry they'd Sl to hear from you. If you think you can he! in any way, kindly contact Daigle at 985.8013. 5. PORT PERRY -- = 209 QUEEN STREET, PORT PERRY 985-2231 < Mennen SPEED STICK Plus & Plain, 70gm & 75gm Assorted Fragrances Toilet Tissue $3. Fabric Softener - 32 sheets 49