Embracing the Razzouk Family
A new family from Syria have found a home in Kingston! The Razzouk family is originally from Aleppo, Syria, and were subsistence living through the Syrian War. With Welcome Home Ministries (WHM) support, the family applied for refugee status and recently receive Permanent Resident approval, and arrived in Kingston on August 6th (2026).
Although public attention has moved on, the needs of 118 million displaced people (or 1 in 70 people worldwide) remain urgent and are growing due to ongoing war, famine, drought and other natural disasters. Our faith calls us to action, and our parishes have chosen to not turn away from the suffering of others, but to reach out to make a real difference, one family at a time.
Welcome Home Ministries was formed in 2015 during the Syrian refugee crisis and is a sponsorship group with participation from several Kingston area parish communities. The Razzouks will be our third newcomer family to support.
Now that they have arrived (published 21 August), there are many things this family would benefit from, both donations of items and your time, as you are drawn to this ministry. Items such as
- Organizing donations of winter clothing and furniture
- Setting up and driving family members to appointments
- Registering and liaising with schools and community services and events
- English language learning visits
- Support with grocery shopping
- and many other things!
Donations are, of course, welcomed as well. Thank you to those who have already contributed over $30,000 for this family. There is a remaining target of an additional $30,000 to cover their full resettlement costs.
Please consider a lump sum contribution or a monthly commitment. Cheques can be made out to St. James Anglican Church, 10 Union Street and marked “WHM” or you can donate online through the St. James Anglican Church Kingston CanadaHelps account and also mark that donation as “WHM”. Charitable receipts will be provided.
Interested in helping or want more information? Contact Patti Black to join our WHM email list and planning group at pblack@nvisiongroup.ca.
Thank you for your support in bringing this family into the warmth and safety of our extended parish group.
