Last night the Syrian Refugee meeting was held at the Pason Centennial arena. The meeting had speakers such as MP John Barlow as well as Mayor Bill Robertson, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society Manger of Community Development and Integration Services Richardo Morales and FCIS Services Community Connection Programs and Coordinator Nancy Ridson. The meeting brought to light how residents can get set up for privately sponsoring a refugee. Pastor Lee Umbach said the meeting answered some key questions. 

 "It was just another confirmation that the Town will support us as we sponsor and bring a refugee to the community and it won't be us alone but will be a community effort," Umbach says.

With a room full of members from the community coming together and to figure out a plan for the future refugees coming to Canada and possibly to Okotoks Umbach says that the meeting achieved the vision he had.

"It was above and beyond with the turn out tonight. It shows that our town wants to deal with problems not just local but all around the world."

The meeting ended up with community members willing to form a group that will have a focus on the refugees coming to the Okotoks community.

"I am really excited to see what comes from this and how we move forward with it," says Umbach.

More information from the group will come in the next few months.

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