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Edmonton Mennonite Group Flooded With Donations For Syrian Refugees

"The city has really pulled together."

Volunteers at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers have received so many donations for Syrian refugees that they've run out of room to store it all.

"We were tripping over ourselves," executive director Erick Ambtman told CBC News. He says the hallways were full of bags of clothing and even the prayer room was being used for storage.

The organization has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support it's received for incoming refugees.

Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society (EERSS) and Islamic Family and Social Services Association have partnered with the centre to help sort and store all the donations.

On Wednesday, volunteers filled a moving truck and pickup truck with donated items to move to EERSS to make room for more at the Mennonite Centre, according to the Edmonton Journal.

In November, the group's fundraiser hit its goal of $10,000 donated in a single day with a contribution by Edmonton Oilers player Andrew Ference. Now, the Syrian Emergency Relief Fund has raised nearly $38,000 with 36 days left in the campaign.

The city's main refugee settlement agency, Catholic Social Services, says Edmonton will be welcoming 50 to 100 refugees per day until the end of the year.

The city has really pulled together,” Catholic Social Services employee Jason Gariepy told the Edmonton Sun.

Even with so much generosity, donations are still needed as more refugees arrive. The organization is particularly looking for items for children — especially toboggans — so refugees can learn to appreciate the joys of Canadian winters.

Donations can be left at the Mennonite Centre at 11713-82 St.

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