A steady stream of donors stopped by donation drop-off clinics in Halifax Tuesday to do their part to help Syrian refugees get settled into their new home.
The former Rona store in Bayers Lake is quickly filling up with bags of clothing and household items for incoming refugees.
“It just demonstrates that people are excited about this,” said Gerry Mills of Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia.
ISANS expects to welcome 50 privately sponsored Syrian refugees to the province by the end of the year, with a larger group coming in January and February.
The Teddy Buddies for Change campaign saw thousands of stuffed animals arrive at the ISANS office in Halifax to be given to refugee children.
“I think that the compassion and love that people have shown is truly amazing,” said donor Tanya Olscamp.
The group in Middleton, N.S., collected about 300 teddy bears two weeks ago, and dropped off over 2,300 on Tuesday.
“I think it's wonderful to see all those cars lined up,” said donor Meagan Holden. “To know that people are coming out on a rainy day like this to donate, it's really amazing.”
The need for volunteers has increased as they’re having a hard time keeping up with the overwhelming amount of donations.
Dyane Horton says it’s easy to get involved.
“Just have to call 211 and speak to an operator, or they can call ISANS and there's an online form they can complete there,” he said.
Another drop-off centre opened at Halifax City Hall, but everything will eventually end up at the Bayers Lake location.
“We're going to assign personal shoppers to each of the family's coming in, so we'll walk around with them and help them pick out the needs that they have,” said Horton.
Volunteers expect to start greeting the first refugees at the donation centre shortly after Christmas.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Matt Woodman.
