Wednesday January 13, 2016 www.saobserver.net $1.25 GST Included
City gets set for refugees By Barb Brouwer obServer STAFF
Support continues to grow for bringing Syrian refugees to Salmon Arm in the coming months. “There are nine families to be sponsored through a combination of churches, church coalitions, rotary and community-based secular groups,” says brian Ayotte, who with Joyce Henderson formed the local refugee committee. “I have heard nothing negative, it has all been very positive.” And word has spread beyond Salmon Arm to neighbouring communities, including revelstoke, where Ayotte will speak this week. “They’re definitely going to do at least one family,” he says. “The remarkable thing is it’s not only a benefit to the refugees, but the coming together of the community is fantastic.” okanagan college is working on an eSl program for the newcomers and School district #83 is developing pamphlets Brian Ayotte and information in Ara- Syrian refugee bic for the families. committee As well, Ayotte says Interior Health has put together a program for physical and mental health needs of the new residents. Shuswap rotary is onboard and one of its members, Steve Genn and spouse leah Shaw have offered two living spaces for free – a three-bedroom unit above their ProAir Heating and cooling office and another smaller suite in their home. “We have this great renovated three-bedroom place and it’s stupid to have it empty. It’s free as long as it’s available,” Shaw said. “We’re kind of excited and looking forward to seeing our new neighbours and being that first introduction to the small-town, canadian lifestyle.” Some of the other sponsoring groups also have accommodation lined up, but a hold has been placed on collecting clothing until organizers
Evan BuhlEr/obServer
Joust for laughs
Salmon Arm Secondary teachers Alex Seal and David Brosseau take to their unicycles for a jousting match during a talent show at the Jackson campus. Brosseau came out on the losing end of the match after a wellplaced strike caused him to lose his balance.
See account on page A2
This week Mayor Nancy Cooper looks back on the city’s accomplishments during 2015. See more on A4. Goalie Angus Redmond leads the ’Backs to a stunning pair of victories. Find out more on A17.
Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Life & Times ............... A8 Time Out................... A10 Sports................A15-A18 Arts & Events ... A19-A22 Vol. 109, No. 2, 40 pages