Asifwe Alfred, 26, along with his wife Yvonne, 20, and their three-year-old son Praise, are set to resettle this summer in Summerland, B.C., after years at Dzaleka. The move is being facilitated by Brenda Lowe and the One Person Project, who’ve spent over 3½ years fundraising and organizing the relocation
Born stateless and growing up in refugee camps, Alfred found purpose as a running coach, leading a camp-based athletics team supported by donations of shoes, race transport, and medical assistance. To include Yvonne and Praise in his immigration file, the organization even helped fund their wedding.
In addition to supporting Alfred’s family, the project is securing funds for Yvonne’s mother, Amina, and her six children. Angela Machuik at Replenish Refillery is coordinating donations, while Brenda and her husband recently revisited Dzaleka and witnessed firsthand how transformative this relocation will be, not only for the family but for both communities.
Though Summerland has seen minor incidents of racism, Lowe remains hopeful the town will embrace the Alfred family. Preparation is underway—connecting them to housing, transit, healthcare, and newcomer supports to ease their transition. Adjusting from camp life to Canadian amenities will be challenging, but the One Person Project’s past work—like sending aid, building schools, and supporting orphans—has built strong momentum
Read the full story and hear Brenda Lowe’s firsthand perspective in the original article: "Summerland organization working to bring refugees to community" on the Vernon Morning Star
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