Refugees in B.C.: volunteers overwhelm Immigrant Services Society of B.C.

The Immigrant Services Society of B.C. says it'sinundated with volunteers wanting to help Syrian refugees, after nearly 6,000 peoplestepped up to offer their help.

"It's a wonderful challenge, it's an amazing challenge. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of B.C. residents," saiddirector of settlement servicesChris Friesen.

• Finding refuge: How B.C. is helping
• Syrian refugees: are others left out of the generosity?
• MAP | See where B.C.'s refugees come from

Friesensays they're expecting 200 government assisted refugees to arrive in Vancouver by early Januaryand ISS of B.C. isworking franticallyto train the new volunteers, and match them with refugees.

Meanwhile, he says, local churches and schools are creating hundreds of gift baskets full of coffee, grocery vouchers, and messages of welcome, which will be distributed to all refugees arriving in B.C.

But theISSof B.C. isalso dealing with another challenge.

This is traditionally the busiest time of year for refugees coming from around the world. Friesen says people need to remember that all newcomers need our help and generosity.

"And the public by and large has said, 'Yes, in most cases it doesn't matter. We just want to help refugees.'"