London, Ont. welcomes 36 Afghan refugees as they begin their new life in Canada
The Government of Canada announced Tuesday that it will continue to exhaust every option to get as many Afghans to safety as possible.
To date, Canada has evacuated roughly 3,700 people from Afghanistan – the majority of whom are refugees who will begin their new lives in this country.
Efforts are underway to help resettle 36 Afghan refugees who arrived in London, Ont. over the weekend. Half of them, children under the age of 15.
Executive director of the Cross Cultural Learner Center (CCLC) Valerian Marochko, says about two dozen families arrived in London, Ont. in great spirits over the weekend.
Marochko says there were “lots of smiles on the faces of those children and the parents too,” as they arrived.
CCLC is one of the local agencies that will assist with resettling the refugees in London. They work alongside all levels of government to insure the refugees are supported with the services they need.
“Starting with housing, starting with learning the language, finding a job, enrolling children in school, finding a family doctor, connecting with the community and making friends,” says Marochko.
After arriving in Canada, the refugees quarantined in Toronto, Ont. and received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, before coming to London, Ont. where they are currently being housed in undisclosed, temporary locations across the city.
Marochko says previous refugee arrivals have helped strengthen the infrastructure – that consists of a network of organization across London, Ont. that help resettle newcomers.
However, they are always looking for volunteers for their Match program that helps integrate the refugees into society.
“You can take a newcomer to a hockey game or go together to a park for a picnic, do activities together so that they get used to Canadian culture,” says Marochko.
Due to covid-19 CCLC says they prefer cash donations so that they can assess the needs of the families and provide them with the appropriate supports.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.