A large number of people are stepping forward to help the Syrian refugee families who have recently arrived in Summerland.
The Summerland Refugee Sponsorship Group has held three orientation sessions so far.
At the most recent, on Thursday evening, 13 people joined the list of volunteers.
“The amount of interest from the community to help these families has been huge. It’s been quite overwhelming,” said Mary-Ann Smirle, one of the people organizing the orientations.
She said there are a lot of things people can do to help out, including driving, helpingwith child care and offering English language support.
On Thursday night at the orientation, a musician volunteered, offering his services to teach guitar to any member of the families who would like to learn.
Those wishing to become a volunteer must undergo a criminal record check. As well, those wanting to be drivers for the families must have at least $2 million in third party liability coverage as well a driver’s abstract from ICBC.