Monctonians offer a car, beds, new app to help Syrian refugees

Moncton's multicultural association says it's getting ready to welcome Syrian refugees to the area.

Justin Ryan, education co-ordinator for MAGMA, the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area, says so far, the response for help has been phenomenal.

"We've had an amazing outpouring of support", he said. "It's been heartening."

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Ryan says one person has even offered to donate a second-hand car.

"I was like, I'm not sure where I'm going to park it but sure, we'll take it!"

He says someone else offered to create an app to make it easier for people who want to help the refugees to learn Arabic phrases, or learn more about Syria and the conflict. 

Ryan says people are also offering to help the newcomers move into housing, which is the single biggest issue right now. He says the association is working hard to compile a comprehensive list of available spaces.

"We've just got to find a place to put people. It's snowing!" he laughs. 

Ryan says at this point, he doesn't know how many refugees will be arriving, and when.

Moncton is really generous.- Melanie Doiron, La Boutique Encore

"We don't have a plan from the government, yet. We have our contingency plan in place," he says, in case Moncton gets a large group all at once.

Ryan says people have been contacting his group with offers of everything from entire houses for rent to spare bedrooms in private homes.

Over at La Boutique Encore, in Moncton's north end, Melanie Doiron is also also getting ready for the potential influx of refugees. The boutique is part of the House of Nazareth homeless shelter.

Doiron is a community worker at the second-hand store and says she is helping to prepare starter kits to give to the newcomers.

"We make sure that they have clothes to wear and they have the items they need in the house," said Doiron.

Doiron says the boutique is accepting donations of bedding and clothing, especially winter items such as coats and boots — even shovels.

"La Boutique Encore has always received and donated to refugees. Our community of Moncton is really generous," she said.