October 25
Thanks to all who donated items for the Yezedi refugee women.These are among the most damaged of all the refugee groups that have come to Canada.
The only items we now need are:
- Women’s coats (size 2 to 6 only please)
- Sweaters (size small only please)
- Gift cards for Wal-Mart so the women can purchase underwear
- Please leave the Walmart gift cards with Bobbi Jo or arrange to give them to Sandra Onufryk or David Pakrul.
Also, can someone with a van or truck deliver three bicycles to these women in Richmond Hill? If you are a male driver you would need a female to accompany you. These women understandably are nervous of men.
Thank you,
Sandra Onufryk
Outreach Committee
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A group of Yezidi women who escaped ISIS and eventually found refuge in Richmond Hill need our help. The Yezidis are not Muslim and are considered infidels by their captors. When the women are captured by ISIS they are used as sex slaves and are often sold to multiple owners. The ensuing children are forced to be raised as Muslims.
The group consists of 3 women and their children (4) and 1 young man. These women have endured unimaginable abuse and are suffering from emotional distress.
The details are below:
- Mahar, 19 year old young man, small for his age (as are all the children). He is in high school and says he wants to be a police officer.
- Khwla, 29 woman. (Very thin)
- Ghazal, 24 year old woman (Very thin)
- Adlan, 31 yea old woman (Very Thin)
- Malas, 22 year old woman ( Normal weight, she arrived 8 months ago and speaks more English than the others)
- Imad, 6 year old boy (small for his age)
- Idan, 5 year old boy (small for his age)
- Wannie, 7 year old girl, (small for her age)
- Hania, 5 year old girl (small for her age)
They arrived 2-3 months ago, (I’m still getting their story). They do have the basics, mattresses, beds, sofas, dining table and chairs, kitchen stuff….
They are asking for:
- Warm clothes, winter coats and hats, gloves, boots…etc. for everyone.
- Warm blankets for each bed.
- Bed linens (6 singles and two doubles)
- 3 Laptops: 2 for Malas and Mahar for school, and 1 for the women to learn on.
- A double stroller for one of the moms.
- Bicycles (adult and children)
- Area rugs (to inject colour and warmth into the rooms)
We do not have exact sizing but please determine the sizes from the descriptions above.
If you have any of these items that are in good condition please leave the small ones (clothing, linens) in the church lobby. Their transport to Richmond Hill will be arranged.
If you have any larger items or electronics (lap tops, bikes, stroller, area rug) please contact Maple Grove United Church directly so we can arrange pick up and delivery.
Thank you,
Sandra O.