When: Sunday, April 24, 4:00 PM
Where: Bonnie Doon Community Hall, 9240 93 Street
We have some business we must perform every year, our AGM. We urge members to attend – in person! – to vote in a new board and to pass our 2022 budget. We promise to keep the formal part short and to allow all the time you need to relax, chat and enjoy a beverage.
When: Sunday, April 24, 4:00 PM Where: Bonnie Doon Community Hall, 9240 93 Street
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Bonnie Doon Centre is seeking 1-2 volunteers to maintain five hydroponic plant tower gardens. Volunteers will come into Bonnie Doon Centre about once or twice a week to maintain the tower gardens and all plants and materials will be provided. Once the plants and vegetables reach growing capacity, they will be donated.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Roxanne Newby at (780) 465-7902 ext. 44223 or email: RNewby@morguard.com. Santa will visit Bonnie Doon Sunday, December 12, from the noon hour to 3:00. He will drive through our neighbourhood on his sleigh, giving treats to kids, young & old.
Please, send out the kids to cheer Santa on! He'll stop from time to time, if parents want to take a photo of him with their children (safely distant). Santa's elves have planned the route below, but the Big Guy may make adjustments as the afternoon proceeds, so check our home page for live updates during the day: The Bonnie Doon Community Refugee Sponsorship Association is a group of neighbours who support refugee resettlement. The Bonnie Doon Community League is posting this update to promote their good work. Around 2016 a group of Bonnie Doon residents came together in response to the Syrian refugee crisis to sponsor a family. The Marees (pronounced mah-rays; Jamshid, Sharifa, Bahoz, Ahmed, Nafia) were the family we were matched with. The group fundraised for two years and finally, in May 2018, the Marees arrived. Many Bonnie Doon’ers know the Marees and wanted an update on how they are doing. The Association spoke with the Marees recently about their story, how they are doing and the dream for our next potential sponsorship. An Interview with the Marees Life in Syria What was it like growing up in Syria? (Jamshid) I grew up in the province of Al Hasakah in north-east Syria. As Kurds, our people were original settlers in that area, and have been in that province long before the country was formed. I was raised in a small village and remember it being a safe, and happy place. I would ride my bike, climb trees and play football. Later I moved to Keshka, a village with about 120 households and between 1000 and 2000 people. Families were big, you could have 7, up to 10 people per household. (Sharifa) I grew up in the regional city Al Malekea, which has about 50,000 residents. Childhood memories include playing basketball and football with friends. I finished grade 8, and later met Jamshid through family connections. I moved to Keshka when we married and started a family. What was your occupation? (Jamshid) I farmed land with my 3 brothers where we grew cotton and wheat. We did not want to have too big a family, as it is harder to educate many and the farm did not need too much labour. We only had three children, so as a family of five we were a bit unusual. A drought hit our region, lasting many years and made it hard to make a living farming. I enrolled in university to be a teacher and studied from the village, taking a bus 12 hours to the school in Damascus twice a month to write tests. This was hard so eventually I moved to the city and started working as a building caretaker, working 16-hour days. We needed the money to survive and so I had to drop out of university. I lived in Damascus for four years, and Sharifa would visit with the kids occasionally. Fighting broke out in Syria and I wanted to be back in the village with my family. Why did you leave Syria? (Jamshid) I left Damascus and farmed for another year, but it was difficult. Then ISIS was coming to our province and they were killing Kurds. We did not feel safe and wanted to leave. Iraq, close by, had opened its borders to Syrian refugees and so we went there, to the city of Erbil. My mother was sick and unable to flee. Our second son Bahoz was 16 and not wanting to stop school. He and my brother stayed behind to look after grandma. It was so difficult to leave them behind, especially our 16-year-old son. We were very worried about them. My mother passed after a year and then Bahoz and his uncle were ready to leave, but unfortunately the border had closed by then due to the conflict. We were separated! So, they went the other direction, travelling to Turkey and eventually made it to Germany, so at least we knew they were safe. Bahoz is still in Germany. Life as a Refugee What was it like in the refugee camp? (Jamshid) We settled in one of 6 refugee camps around Erbil called Darashakran, which had maybe 20,000-30,000 people. It was run by the UN. For two years we lived in a tent, the four of us and sometimes visitors. It was hard, so hot in the summer (45-50 degrees), cold in the winter, very windy. Sometimes fires went through. After two years we were given the resources to build our own small shelter – a two room cinder block shelter. At least we got out of the wind and it was a little cooler. When we arrived each family was receiving $100 for food per month. After 1.5 years that support suddenly stopped, and we had to fend entirely for ourselves. I never got an answer why this was the case. Ahmed and I would go to Erbil for work, day labour at construction sites. I had to stop after 6 months because my back hurt. Ahmed ended up working at a hotel for year. In construction we could make about US$200/month and in the hotel $300/month. Then ISIS came into Erbil and it was no longer safe for Ahmed to work, so he was stuck in camp again. At least the food support program came back for the last year there. Nafia was able to go to school in the camp, which was good. She was 9 years old when we arrived in the camp. How did you become sponsored? (Jamshid) Years were going by and we were not sure what was going to happen. We would hear about others being selected to go to other countries as refugees, but we had no idea what was going on, and if we could get chosen. Then one day we were notified to come in for an interview. We were hoping for Germany, because Bahoz was there, and I have siblings in Germany and Sharifa has siblings in Austria. We were told we were selected to go to Canada. We were not expecting this. What did you know about Canada? Not a lot, except it is a big country, a nice country, democratic and peaceful. And cold! They said Europe wasn’t possible and did we want Canada or not, and we said Yes! We were happy to be chosen for Canada. Once we were ‘matched’ it took a long time for the process to happen. At one point conflict broke out in Iraq and the airport at Erbil was shut down, which delayed it more. Finally, after five years in the refugee camp we set out for Canada. Settling in Canada What were your first impressions of Canada when you arrived? We arrived May 10, 2018 and the day we arrived it was cold. We were worried when we left the airport, how cold it felt – would it be like this all the time? And what about in winter when you add snow? It felt like our winter. (Sharifa) We were also worried what we would do when we landed, how we would find our way to where we were staying? We were so happy to see a welcoming committee! Tracy, Xander, Bennett, Hassan, Nisrine and a Kurdish lady. It made us very happy that many people cared and were waiting for us. What was it like to live your first year in Bonnie Doon? (Jamshid) It was very nice. Many people helped out, set up their apartment, and came by for visits. Karmen, Carol, Mark, Othman, Ghadeer, others, all good people. We remember fondly the first meeting at Tracy’s house, about 25 people gathered around the fire. We had only been there for one day. We also remember the tour of downtown and the river valley with Ghadeer’s boys. Edmonton seemed like a nice city, good for all people. People are helpful we discovered as we would go shopping, take the bus, finding our way, strangers were always helpful. The best part of being in the neighbourhood was being close to the sponsorship group. We remember walking to the bus stop going to school and actually seeing Les, who waved at us. That felt so good. The hard part in the beginning was the cold – waiting at the bus stop, Nafia walking to Whyte Avenue, so cold! We also had much difficulty with English to start. And no Kurdish people around, although we did meet Wael and Zahor’s family, who are Syrian, and one Kurdish family living by the mall. After a year in Bonnie Doon you moved to the north side. How is it going there?
(Jamshid) We met Kurdish friends, and there was a group of families living in a small apartment building together. They had a nice community and invited us to join, so when an apartment opened up we moved in. It has been great, we got a larger place for less money. We are happy living there. We also have a car now, so we can drive many places, which makes it easier in the winter. We still take the bus to Norquest for language school and that is good. When we took care of your house for 3 weeks this summer it was nice to be back in Bonnie Doon again. We saw people we knew and like to come back to visit. When you talk to your siblings in Europe, how do you think life compares here in Canada? (Jamshid) It seems similar. But in Canada you can apply for citizenship after three years. In Europe it is harder, maybe 7 years. Your son Bahoz is still in Germany. What has it been like to be apart from him for so long and what are you hoping to do? (Sharifa) It has now been 8 years since we’ve seen our son. He was 16 when we left him, and now he’s 24. We are very sad and miss him so much. We hope to see him soon. We want him to come here, maybe for a visit, maybe to live. Right now, he’s in an apprenticeship program and working, which he wants to finish. Maybe after he can come. How is school and work going? (Jamshid) Language class for Sharifa and I was going well, we are both up to level 4. With Covid, switching to online has been difficult for learning. Now back in person, it’s going well. We are very happy and proud that after 3 years we can do this talk in English. At first it was very hard, but we knew we had to try. Before coming we thought it would be so hard. Especially being older, its hard to learn a language. As a child I learned Kurdish at home and Arabic in grade 1 and was easier then. Nafia is doing well, enjoying school, upgrading grade 12. (Ahmed) – I finished English level 5, started level 6 and then got a job landscaping. I’m working at Park Landscaping. It feels very good to work and make money. Working here is different. Back home finding a job was through friends, here you need a resume. Work in Iraq was hard, faster pace, longer hours, less money. Here work is comfortable, and better pay. People I work with are friendly. Right now I am doing snow removal when it snows, and am open to other work in the winter if something comes up. What do you hope to accomplish over the next few years? (Jamshid) Finish language training, improve English. Nafia wants to study health care (administration, nursing or homecare). Ahmed wants to start his own landscaping company and get married. Sharifa wants to finish language lessons, get a job in childcare and be reunited with Bahoz. Are you feeling more Canadian as time goes by? (Jamshid) Yes, we are feeling a little Canadian now. Learning about the many cultures here. As we learn the language, we are having conversations with Canadians and learning more about this country. Ahmed wants to start his own landscaping company so he can help newcomers with work, like he received when he came. What are your fun memories so far? (Jamshid) Going to Jasper - Miette hot springs, the townsite and mountains. Staying at Tracy’s parents’ acreage, sitting around the fire and camping. Ahmed and I went to the Canada vs Mexico soccer game, very cold! We danced to stay warm. Surprised they were playing soccer in such cold weather but a good win! Being involved in the Kurdish community here. Jamshid, your niece and her family are also a refugees in Iraq. What is their situation? (Jamshid) My niece Jinan, her husband and three children (11,8,3) are in a camp called Qushtapa. They are living in two small room shelter and the husband can work sometimes. They have been in camp a little before we got to Iraq, so they’ve been refugees there now 8 years! There are more refugees than sponsors, and so people wait. We want her family to come to Edmonton, so we can help her. Life there is very difficult, we know. We will be very happy once they arrive. Their oldest son is autistic, and he cannot get supported in the camp. Cost of medicine he needs is high. They are not receiving any help. We really want to bring them here. The Next Step for the Refugee Sponsorship Association Sponsoring Jinan and her Family The Maree’s niece Jinan, her husband and their three children have been living in a refugee camp for over 8 years. They are living in a two-room cinderblock shelter, their survival dependant on the United Nations food programme and odd labour jobs. Their oldest son is 11 years old and has autism. He is not getting the care he needs. The Maree’s asked if Bonnie Doon can help them sponsor the family to come to Canada. We have the opportunity to submit the family’s name to the Canadian government as part of Canada’s 2022 commitment, an important start to the long approval process. Once the name is submitted, it can take between 3 and 4 years before the family arrives. Over the next couple of years we will need to raise about $35,000 to support the family. We`ve done it before with the Marees and know we can do it again, but before applying we want to hear from others in Bonnie Doon that they`re behind this initiative. If you are interested in helping with fundraising, making a donation or helping the family settle in Canada, please let us know. We have to let advise the government before Christmas if we want to kickstart this long process. For more information or to express your support, please contact Tracy by clicking the button below or writing to tapoll@hotmail.com. We're looking for that Most Important Volunteer to be Santa, for the afternoon of Sunday, December 12. Are you that special person? We'll provide the suit but you'll provide the Ho, Ho, Ho!
This year, our deputized Santa will tour Bonnie Doon on his "sleigh" (horse & wagon) for two or three hours, stopping at a handful of locations to give out treats to the young ones. For the role of a lifetime, write to Mark, abundant@bonniedoon.ca. Thank you! (It's the weekend of December 4, 5. If no one steps up, we'll soon have to cancel the horse & wagon.) In November, Bonnie Doon's Men's Shed volunteers, John & Mark, planted a new/old Little Free Library. That makes five LFLs that we know of, catalogued here. At all LFLs, take a book that interests you. Or leave one that you've already enjoyed.
This particular wee library began life around 100 years ago as a kitchen cupboard in the RCMP barracks that were located at Wabamun Lake. The barracks were tiny, log cabins, still in use at the Edmonton Yacht Club. It was rescued from a dumpster last year and converted into the form you can see now at 8704 90 Avenue. In this photo, the library was newly installed and has since been filled with books. Not that long ago we made a small skating rink between the hall and the shack. It had no boards, just a low perimeter of snow and some straw bales. Young families and new skaters loved it! Unfortunately, in the spring the melt water entered the hall. End of the tiny rink. 😕 Can we resurrect this idea? There is a lovely triangle of city land in the northeast of Bonnie Doon, containing some mature evergreen trees and a few benches. It also has some lawn that, with a bit of dedication, could become a small rink, suitable for young and beginning skaters: If a small team of neighbours in the area want to make this happen, the BDCL can help, mainly with a grant application to get water delivered (if that is even necessary) and convincing the city to allow the initiative. Neighbours should be keen to keep snow cleared from the rink and to flood it occasionally. Write to Mark, abundant@bonniedoon.ca.
Satellite image courtesy of Google Maps. The City of Edmonton has a grant program for small projects that bring people together and/or improve your neighbourhood. Neighbourhood(s) Micro-Grants can provide up to $350 for these projects. If you have an idea for one of these grants, check their web page to see if your project might qualify. The Bonnie Doon Community League can work with you to apply for the money. Write to Mark, social@bonniedoon.ca. (Note that Bonnie Doon is not in what the city calls a "Revitalization Area".)
The city is especially interested in ideas for
The City of Edmonton shared this update with EFCL who sent it to us...
"We are writing with an update on the Community League Swim Program. As noted earlier, one of the delays for being able to resume this program in September was the shortage of staff, in particular, the shortage of lifeguards. Efforts have been underway since this summer to recruit, hire and train more staff. It was announced in September that all City of Edmonton staff would be required to be fully vaccinated by the middle of November. Staff are currently being asked to disclose and provide proof of their vaccination status. The impact of this requirement on our staffing levels is in the process of being determined. We will have a better idea towards the end of October what the effect of this will be. A further update regarding the Community League Swim program will be provided by October 29th. In the meantime, we continue to offer as many public swim opportunities as possible. Again, we appreciate your patience as we work to successfully resume this program." In The Before Times, BDCL members could swim at certain pools for no additional cost a couple of times each week (during "Community League Swims"). The map below shows the speed limits in Bonnie Doon.
Remember: "If there is no speed limit sign, the speed limit is 40 km/h" [source] |
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