Sustainment Sites

The sustainment sites were located at seven bases: Greenwood, Windsor Park (Halifax), Aldershot in Nova Scotia; Gagetown, New Brunswick; Trenton, Borden and Kingston in Ontario. At these locations the Red Cross worked with dozens of NGOs to provide services and continually assess the ongoing needs of the refugees. Notably, the Salvation Army distributed clothing and in many cases managed on-site thrift stores among other activities. All agencies shared the same goal – serving their guests with dignity, compassion and respect.

Kingston

After a brief stay in Kingston, 1,050 Kosovars were resettled in various communities in Quebec. On July 6, CFB Trenton was closed and 350 Kosovars destined for settlement in Ontario and other parts of Canada were moved to Kingston.

At CFB Kingston, the Kosovars were housed in two large dormitory buildings - Sherman Hall and Lewis Hall - each capable of housing about 400 people in private rooms. The MacNaughton Mess Hall was situated between the two resident buildings providing easy access for all residents.

First Aid stations staffed by nurses with a doctor available were established in the dormitories. Quality Ambulance Services had vehicles on-site to take patients to the base hospital or the two Kingston hospitals. A section of the Base Hospital was refurbished as a medical clinic and to provide dental services. Kingston volunteer with Kosovar children

Offices for CIC, Immigration Québec, Health Canada, the Military Police, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Red Cross and Salvation Army were located in 15 trailers on site along with storage areas for supplies and a media tent.

It would have been impossible to establish a safe and secure environment for the Kosovars without a great deal of flexibility and teamwork between the various support agencies. The key was the teamwork between the principal players - CIC, Quebec Immigration, CFB Kingston personnel, the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, the Red Cross, Salvation Army and the Islamic Society of Kingston. CIC provided a large number of Albanian, English and French speaking interpreters who could assist the refugees with immigration procedures, medical problems, and other issues.

To date, the number of Red Cross volunteers working on site at various times has exceeded 400. They have worked anywhere from 2 to 12 hours each day and some very often on weekends or during the evening. Some have given up their annual vacation to work with the Kosovars. The 400 volunteers have spent more than 15,000 hours serving the Red Cross at CFB Kingston. "This is easily the most rewarding experience I have ever had. I feel I've really been able to make a difference in this way." (Red Cross Volunteer)

My regular job pales against the challenge I've found here" (Red Cross Volunteer)

Volunteers have come to CFB Kingston from all walks of life, a few from the Canadian Forces who want to serve the Red Cross after they've finished their regular jobs. Tasks comprised of making beds, escorting refugees to hospital, meeting buses, carrying baggage, playing with children, organizing knitting equipment, cleaning and most important of all -- being a good listener.

Media covered the Kosovars' participation in events such as the Canada Day parade, Buskers Rendez Vous and
a soccer game between the Kosovars and a local team.

The Ukrainian-Canadian Association of Kingston invited 400 refugees to their annual dinner and folk festival. A group of 100 Kosovars saw the play "Grease". Gananoque Boat Lines gave 250 refugees a Thousand Islands tour followed by a picnic lunch hosted by the Lions Club and Canadian Legion.

Children from many Kingston schools took part in fundraising drives for the refugees. Their gifts ranged from several dollars to $2,700 raised by Bayridge Secondary School.

One Kingston company loaned musical instruments and equipment to the Kosovars for their talent night to thank agencies for their help. A local company donated a big-top tent for the concert.

The words and music of "Kosovars to Canada", written by Gezim Bujupi, seemed to sum up the gratitude expressed not only to the people of Kingston but to Canada as well: "Thanks to you, oh...Canada; I feel I'm safe and lucky guy; Grateful souls we are; For you are helping Kosovars."

Borden

Since early May, 950 Kosovar refugees have been welcomed by CIC, Red Cross and Department of National Defence (DND). Within hours of their arrival, the families had been fed, assigned onsite accommodation and received an orientation to daily life at CFB Borden, their interim home.

Red Cross worked side-by-side with CIC to provide for the daily needs of the refugees. Volunteers and staff from across Ontario coordinated logistics, transportation, recreation, school camp, day care, communications, volunteer resources, family reunification, family messaging and office administration.

Mornings, evenings and weekends saw a steady stream of individuals from across Canada registering with the Volunteer Resources Coordinator. As of July 5, nearly 700 volunteers had registered with the Red Cross, working side-by-side to offer daily services to the refugees - working more than 10,400 hours.

From clothing and hygienic product to baby diapers and children's backpacks, logistics provided the goods required by the refugees. This could not have been accomplished without the overwhelming generosity of private and corporate donations.

The diverse refugee population and age groups provided ongoing challenges for the Red Cross. Daily and weekly activities were planned. Professional and amateur performers donated their talents to provide entertainment and laughter for the Kosovars. The Red Cross coordinated recreational activities including a talent show, carnival day, brass bands, rock concerts, visits to Tim Hortons and Salvation Army summer camps, a trip to a Toronto Blue Jays' game, Operation Smile and soccer, volleyball and basketball camps.

The Red Cross tracing and reunion program was well utilized with the daily line-ups of people searching for family. Three volunteers and two translators kept busy processing more than 470 refugees inquiries and messages to loved ones in Canada and throughout the world.

Shortly after their arrival, the Red Cross set up and chaired the Refugee Community Advisory Committee. Concerns over issues such as garbage collection, children's bicycles, site beautification, and ethnic culture and food were discussed at their weekly meetings. Family support and public health workers also attended these meetings.

Borden operated a medical clinic and pharmacy, under the authority of CIC. Medical care including physiotherapy was provided by nearby facilities and transportation was organized by the Red Cross transportation coordinator.

The majority of refugees were of Muslim faith. Within the first week of operations, the Red Cross, in consultation with the Canadian Muslim community, set up an open Mosque for use by the Kosovars, visitors and volunteers.

About 160 children ranging in age from 6 to 14 years, attended a school camp during weekdays. Refugee volunteers taught history, geography and math classes in Albanian, while Red Cross volunteers taught an ESL class. Corporate and private donors provided books, paper, pencils, erasers and notebooks.

A daycare was operated under the direction of the Red Cross with the help of volunteers and representatives of Disaster Child Care Services. It provided parents free time to attend ESL classes and medical appointments.

Windsor Park

For two months Windsor Park was home to more than 400 Kosovars. Red Cross worked with CIC, DND and Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) to assist in making their guests feel welcome and at ease. Over 300 people volunteered to provide services such as recreation, childcare, family support, messaging and tracing.

"One afternoon a teenager approached me with a broad smile on his face. He outlined the Red Cross symbol on my vest with his index finger. He said two words, "Red Cross". We both smiled. This boy could not speak English, but he wanted to express his knowledge of the Red Cross. The Red Cross symbol is a sign of friendship, hope, love and security to our Kosovar friends." (Red Cross Volunteer)

Red Cross activities were divided into recreation and family support. An advisory committee including an elected Kosovar mayor and councilor gave input and helped empower the Kosovars.

Athletics, education, entertainment and cultural events were coordinated by volunteers for people of all ages. Volunteers helped families move into their rooms at Normandy Block and kept people company, read stories, played games, coloured and offered compassion and many hugs. Red Cross volunteers provided first aid and brought guests to medical appointments. They escorted them to buses and the airport when they departed for other destinations in Canada or back to Kosovo.

Over 125 people went to a Sunday market at Halifax Forum with support from Red Cross staff, volunteers and two interpreters. The Salvation Army opened a clothing outlet at Windsor Park. Women from the Muslim community visited and provided head scarves and religious support. The Muslim community also hosted a potluck dinner for 120 guests. Many community organizations donated books, hair care items, cosmetics, health information and a playground complete with a swing set, slide and crawl tubes.

Soccer, volleyball and basketball were popular sports at the Parade Square. Volunteers worked with children and teens doing arts and crafts to decorate Normandy Block. More than 37,000 pounds of yarn was donated and distributed to bases in Atlantic Canada and Ontario. Volunteers taught children how to skip and sing songs and played with board games and puzzles. The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) staff assisted with recreational activities. A group of teenagers canoed at Saint Mary's Boat Club.

Some attended English classes taught in two mobile trailers at Windsor Park.

The Kosovars were entertained by clog dancing, bands, a puppet show, a magician and clowns. A local television show "Breakfast Television" provided horseback rides, big bubbles, the Rocky Mountain Bounce (for all ages), a fire truck, barbequed hot dogs, drinks, fingernail painting, balloon painting, arts and crafts, displays and a makeup station.

Over 150 people attended an amusement park. Many people participated in bowling and shopping trips. They visited the public gardens, waterfront, art gallery. museums, Peggy's Cove. They sailed on the Bluenose in Halifax Harbour. A group of families attended the International Tattoo, celebrating Halifax's 250th birthday. On Canada Day, a group participated in the opening of Pier 21, Canada's historic immigration gateway and watched a fireworks display.

"I sat for an hour with a young couple and their two sons The boys were shy, especially the younger one. He would look over at me, but only when I returned the glance. Then he would shyly smile and turn away. When I stood up to leave the little boy started to get upset. Then all of a sudden he smiled and took my hand and said thank you. His parents smiled as they told me it was the only phrase he knew in English. He had been practicing it, waiting for someone special to say it to. I cannot express the honour and privilege I felt. People as kind and soft hearted as the Kosovars help to make all of us feel proud. They thank us, but our hearts thank them." (Red Cross Volunteer)

Aldershot

Camp Aldershot housed over 800 Kosovar refugees, beginning with the initial group transferred from Greenwood on May 9. The first buses of Kosovars greeted by Red Cross volunteers arrived exhausted and in need of comfort Volunteers worked around the clock settling families into their new temporary home.

The Kosovars became known as the "guests" to everyone involved in the operations. The goal was to offer the guests comfort, security, peace, stability and companionship. Volunteers organized recreation, child minding, day camp, medical appointments and special events.

"I accompanied many departing Kosovar families to the Halifax airport. It was a very emotional time for families and volunteers. During every trip to the airport at least one person has shaken my hand and congratulated me on the fine work of the Red Cross. It was really nice to be recognized and it made me proud to be a Red Cross volunteer." (Red Cross Volunteer) ."The Kosovar guests were kept busy with daily activities such as volleyball, basketball, English lessons, day camp, crafts, knitting, quilting, sewing and swimming. I started a quilting class and was surprised how quickly the Kosovar women picked up this new craft, completing three quilts. One of our favourites has a theme, "the true north strong and free". We combined various fabrics to make a Canadian flag, some valley
apples along with sections of Nova Scotia tartan. Our guests will leave with a piece of the Annapolis Valley." (Red Cross Volunteer)

Almost weekly the guests enjoy teen socials, square dancing and musical entertainment. The town of Kentville invited over 300 guests to the Apple Blossom Festival parade and a barbecue. Red Cross volunteers accompanied the Kosovars to picnics, valley tours, and concerts. The refugees organized their own cultural
festival including traditional food, dance and music.

The more than 450 Red Cross volunteers who worked at Aldershot are caring individuals who ask for nothing in return except the honour of working on a future mission. Gagetown

The first wave of more than 1,000 guests arrived at Camp Argonaut on Mother's Day May 9. Refugee girl helped from bus at Gagetown

Soon the cadet camp at CFB Gagetown in Ormocto, just outside of Fredericton, New Brunswick, was transformed into a village. The camp took on a true community atmosphere, with a teen centre, dining hall, laundromat and other facilities that made the Kosovars comfortable in their temporary home. For three months, more than 400 Red Cross volunteers offered their support.

NB Tel installed phone booths on site, so that the refugees to maintain contact with family members in the Balkans and elsewhere. The booths even included instructions in Albanian on how to use the phone cards donated by Bell Canada.

Activities for the guests abounded. Some Kosovars were treated to a whale watching excursion in the Bay of Fundy. One evening, young girls had a slumber party. A local Tae Kwon Do club gave demonstrations and lessons. On May 7, two young men from B.C. who had cycled across Canada raising awareness of the plight of the refugees and money for the Red Cross relief efforts, visited Camp Argonaut. A special parade viewing area was set up for the guests to watch the Canada Day parade. A group attended the New Brunswick Highland Games. The city of Fredericton provides buses that toured the refugees around their community.

The Red Cross was able to make contact with family members of most of the 27 refugees who were the first to return to Kosovo on July 8.

"I find every minute of every day I have spent at Argonaut Village to be filled with "warm and fuzzies". Some perhaps not newsworthy, but that brought me personal pride for being a Canadian, a Red Cross volunteer and able to give something of myself that I would have never thought possible." (Red Cross Volunteer, Gagetown)