Robert Michon | Manager , Communications

Just under a decade ago , in the autumn of 2015 , ARTA members Al and Barb Borkent were approached by a fellow member of their church in Sherwood Park and asked a question that would redirect the focus of their lives : “ Hey , would you like to join our refugee committee ?” They agreed , not knowing exactly what they were getting themselves into . Now , almost ten years later , they are at the centre of a network of families that they have helped to settle in Canada ; families that , with a little help , have been able to build a promising new future for themselves .

Coming to Canada as a refugee isn ’ t as simple as showing up at a port or border crossing and asking to be let in . For most applicants , it ’ s a long process with a constant need for checks and documentation . First , those applying for refugee status need to leave their home country and prove to the Canadian government that it ’ s not safe for them to return . Then , they go through criminal record checks , security checks , and provide medical information . This process can take months or even years . Then , finally , when the application is approved , privately sponsored refugees can

come to Canada , but only if they have a sponsor waiting on the other side : someone who will look after them while they get settled and show them how to navigate life in their new home .

That ’ s where Al and Barb come in . They act as private sponsors for refugees trying to find safety and security in Canada . “ When we first got started , we were given a list of one hundred names and told to pick two families we wanted to sponsor ,” says Al . “ From there , we had to start raising money . The government wants to see that you can provide for the family while they ’ re getting set up ; depending on the size of that family , you

30 | arta . net DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE