Hundreds of Syrian refugees are now food bank clients in Surrey
Posted April 22, 2016 4:06 pm.
Last Updated April 22, 2016 5:30 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – It seems many of Surrey’s Syrian refugees are finding living in the one of the country’s most unaffordable places is just not possible on the amount they’ve been given.
Over 100 families are now clients of the Surrey Food Bank.
Executive Director Marilyn Hermann says that number is climbing.
“We’ve certainly had refugees come for years, but not in the numbers like this. We’ve had to set aside a specific time during the day when hopefully, we can have a translator come in or they bring a translator with them,” she explains.
“We’re doing a lot of sign language around the food bank, these days. Our volunteers are absolutely incredible. They’re so patient with these families and are trying to help them and show them [things they] might like to try,” adds Hermann.
Hermann says the group is happy to help, but they’re not getting any government funding. It is doing its best to accommodate refugee families which often have special dietary requirements.
Her heart goes out to these families surviving on $1,400 a month; she can’t see a solution without better affordable housing for all low-income families.
