Last October a new Syrian refugee family arrived in Almonte after a six-year-long application process. The Al Baboulis, a father, mother, and four children aged 9–17, were sponsored by a private group of local residents in partnership with the Almonte Community Presbyterian Church and its national office.
They are lovely people, and with support from sponsors, Lanark and Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services, relatives, the Hub and the community, the family has made great progress. They moved into a rental house that has been fully furnished, have completed all of their paperwork for SIN, OHIP and other services, filed their first income tax returns, the children are attending local schools, the two boys play soccer, and they are all learning English.
They are grateful to the many extremely welcoming and generous Mississippi Mills residents who have contributed towards the initial sponsorship fund and donated furniture, clothing, sports equipment for the children, and other items.
While their basic needs have now been addressed, two pressing issues remain: employment and finances. The father, Abdulwahab (Abd) works part-time but is looking for full-time employment to help his family become financially independent. Though an experienced driver, he has had to start the process of obtaining an Ontario license. Until then, a job in Almonte would be preferred, but with the help of volunteer drivers and local transportation services he could also work further afield. He has a background in sales and factory work and is willing to do almost anything to start. If you know of any possible employment options for him, or of part-time work for the two older girls, please contact me.
We are also continuing to fundraise to ensure adequate support for the family until they are fully established. This is now becoming urgent as initial funds raised by the group are nearly depleted. Donations may be made to the Syrian Refugee Group at the local BMO, account no. 03026 001 8977 976 or by mail c/o 95 James Naismith Way, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0, or by contacting me at gsmith.consilium@gmail.com
Thank you.
Greg Smith
June 4 2026
