In January 2020, Cole Harbour Cares met to discuss sponsoring another refugee family. Our commitment to the AlAsadis was ending in May 2020.
After much discussion, we realized that our friend, Khaled Mojarkish (owner of Station 1 restaurant) had worked with sponsorship groups over the years to help over 20 Syrians come to Nova Scotia but not once had he asked for help for his family. We thought it was time we helped Khaled by sponsoring his niece and her husband and daughter, and also two young nephews.
In February 2020, CHC spoke at Cole Harbour Woodside United Church and Church of St. Andrews Anglican Church encouraging members of the congregations to pledge support for Cole Harbour Cares.
In March, the world changed with the news of a pandemic called Covid.
More tragedy struck our shores as we navigated through the year. Our dear friend and great supporter, Kathy Warren, died as did Khaled Mojarkish’s 2 year old daughter, Lotus. Israa AlAsadi, Ziad’s wife, lost her father in Syria due to Covid.
Through it all, CHC realized we could succumb to the tragedies or draw strength from them and carry on. We chose the latter and continued to organize on-line fundraisers. We were fortunate to be asked to speak at Iona Presbyterian church. CBC Mainstreet interviewed Khaled and CHC on their afternoon show.
CHC needs to raise $49,000 to sponsor the 5 members of Khaled’s family. Our bank balance is at $28,500. Even though 2020 has been the most challenging of years, with your help CHC will continue to fund raise till we reach our goal.
None of this would be possible without our wonderful supporters and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Our five Syrian refugees, presently living in Lebanon, dream every day of coming to Canada and we will try our best to make their dream come true.
Cole Harbour Woodside United Church 
Where might one send or give a donation for this cause?.
Tom and Hildegard Mahar
LikeLike
Hi Tom. You can give a donation to Cole Harbour Cares through Cole Harbour Woodside United Church. Make sure you mark it for Cole Harbour Cares. That will generate an income tax receipt for you. Just drop it off at the church. Another way would be etransfer to me at woodsmum@hotmail.com . We are busy running an online fundraiser so people are supporting that as well by E transfers. Unfortunately I cannot give you an income tax receipt if you go that route. Hope that has been helpful. Thank you so much for your support. Anne
LikeLike
Forwarded $1000. Intended for Cole Harbour Cares, received receipt showing in support of “local givings”. Appreciate if this can be adjusted, if not no problem. Calvin
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Hi Calvin. I see a mistake was made. You selected the “Local Givings” fund instead of “Cole Harbour Cares”. You might be able to change the fund selected by following the CanadaHelps donor link provided in the email acknowledging your donation. I will inform the church treasurer of the error and make sure your donation is distributed correctly.
LikeLike