Moncton is organizing another supplies drive to help restock cupboards and closets, but the city is still facing a number of hurdles as it works to welcome Syrian refugees to the area.
So far, 220 Syrian refugees have settled in Moncton since the end of December and more are arriving over the next few days with a target of 250 by the end of February.
The city has a 5,000-square foot warehouse in the Caledonia Industrial Park to store the donations. Some of the much-needed items include measuring cups, spoons and soup bowls.
“We have a need for certain items, mostly smaller things,” says city spokesperson Isabelle LeBlanc. “Kitchen items, bowls, kitchen utensils, things like that. It could be cleaning products, a broom; things we take for granted.”
LeBlanc says the community has responded to every request for supplies so far, but some obstacles, like language, have been more difficult to overcome.
“We were initially told they would have some basic French or English skills,” says LeBlanc. “We’re seeing that’s not necessarily the case, so the need for interpreters is very high.”
The city’s warehouse is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Sunday.
