Last Updated: Tuesday - 01/04/2011

St. Theresa Parish supports Sierra Leone refugee family

EDMONTON — Whether from Africa or Latin America, St. Theresa's Parish, Edmonton, is willing to support refugees.

This parish, where 45 nationalities are represented, is now supporting four new refugees from war-torn Sierra Leone.

In November 2000, the parish sponsored a family from El Salvador.

The Knights of Columbus organized a dinner, June 9 to raise funds to support the Saffa family, the Sierra Leoneans who arrived in Edmonton, June 20.

"I am thankful that St. Theresa's Parish is helping my sister Satta and her children," said Alfred Saffa, who immigrated to Edmonton in 1993.

The parish raised $10,000 - most of it a major contribution from the parish Knights of Columbus council - to use for the Saffas' needs while they get settled in Canada.

The money will be given to the Mennonite Central Committee, which sponsored the refugees. Through the Mennonite group, the refugees will be able to access the money.

Besides the financial assistance, St. Theresa's Parish will help the family to settle and start anew in Edmonton.

Satta's 19-year-old son, Muctaru, was seriously tortured during the conflict in Sierra Leone. With his right hand amputated, Muctaru hid for a week without medical attention.

"He is fortunate that he was admitted to Canada and was not considered medically inadmissible," Alfred Saffa told the WCR.

"I will miss so many friends back home," said Muctaru, who thinks about helping his friends in Sierra Leone. "They are in a very serious situation."

Muctaru, his sisters Nasu, 16, and Jamie, 11, and his mom moved to an apartment June 24.

Help for the refugees is welcome. Those interested may contact Alfred Saffa at 463-1707.

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