Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 02/99) - Though it's half a world away, the Kosovo crisis has struck a chord in the hearts of many Yellowknifers.

On Sunday, the Sir John Franklin high school's social studies French immersion class held a garage sale that raised $540 to aid Kosovars in need.

A host of businesses are either considering getting involved in fund-raising or have already done so.

One of the most active supporters of the help effort is United Church member Marlo Bullock. Bullock is trying to lay the groundwork for offering Yellowknife as a home to Kosovo refugees.

"The most worrisome thing for a lot of people is that we will somehow be financially responsible for refugees once they get here," said Bullock.

City councillor Dave Ramsay last week told council, "Yellowknife would have a lot to offer any refugees who came to our city and we'd be richer for it."

Money was a worry for council on Monday, when the issue of declaring city hall's support for the acceptance of refugees. Councillors said the city can not offer to give any financial support.

"It's a good thing to do, but I think we have to look after our own first," said Coun. Peggy Near. "We've already had to turn down some very good local causes, like the Peacemakers last week."

Coun. Blake Lyons agreed, saying the city needed more information on the issue before providing any commitment.

Mayor Dave Lovell said he had received a phone call from a resident originally from Sierra Leone asking why the city is all of a sudden rallying behind victims of the Kosovo crisis, when people of his home country have been suffering similar injustices for years.

"It's a big picture question," said Lovell.

"What are you saying?" asked Ramsay, "Do you support it or not?"

"It's the flavour of the month, Dave," said the Mayor. "What's the flavour next month?"

After Ramsay said he would write the letter himself, the two agreed to discuss the issue further after the meeting.

Bullock said she has confirmed the federal government will cover the room and board of refugees if they were to come to Yellowknife.

A meeting will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the public library meeting rooms, Bullock said. The purpose of the meeting is to find out how many people would be interested in sponsoring refugee families.

By sponsoring, Bullock said she meant serving as guides to the families once they're up here. Bullock said the federal government is looking for at least five sponsors per family, with at least one of the five affiliated with a community service group.