Wills Transfer & the Afghan Canadian Support Network (ACSN)
The tragedy that brought Wills Transfer & ACSN together
Help Afghanistan’s Refugees who fled the Taliban
“Many ex-interpreters and their families face retaliation from the Taliban because of their support of the NATO military mission that Canada, the United States, and numerous other nations participated in during the last two decades.” – Canadian Press
ACSN shares the big picture
Currently there are about 200 Afghan refugees in Ottawa, and another 20 to 25 were expected to arrive over last next few weeks. In fact, some Ottawa refugees had worked with the Canadian military and government in Afghanistan.
At the moment, most are staying in hotels scattered around the city.
The first barrier they face is to comply with the 14-day COVID quarantine mandate. Secondly, they must gain a social insurance number and an OHIP card to rent an apartment or look for work.
Add to that, many have had only one COVD-19 vaccination.
Wills Transfer provides Warehouse Space for the (ACSN)
ACSN was looking for a donor to offer a large space to sort and store donations, this is where Wills came in. Prior to Wills opening the doors, donations were being stored in basements and garages across the city. Primarily, in the High Commissioner of New Zealand Martin & Sarah Harvey’s basement.
Hello Terry
“Martin and I have had great pleasure in supporting this group by collecting donations of clothing, toiletries and shoes and boots, as well as baby supplies and toys for the many Afghan refugees who are currently being housed in hotels in Ottawa. We were able to offer the basement of the New Zealand Commissioner’s Residence here in Rockcliffe Park.
Their needs are basic and urgent as they had to leave everything behind. They will face a Canadian winter, which will add to the challenges if they are ill equipped with suitable winter clothing.
The space has worked well for storage and sorting so that families can be receiving suitcases of their immediate needs. Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, our basement is now at capacity.” – Sarah Harvey in email to Wills Transfer President, Terry Wills
Saying yes to space for the ACSN
When asked if Wills could provide warehouse space that would better serve for the sorting & storing of all the donations for this relief effort, the only answer was a strong yes.
“The whole situation has been heart breaking to watch and I am only watching, not really affected. I can only imagine the heart ache for those folks directly affected.
We would like to help!” – Terry Wills
As a result, Wills Transfer is now the new home for the ACSN Afghan refugee donations.
Afghan Canadian Support Network
You can read more about the ACSN and support for donations here
