Syrian refugee donation centre in Bayers Lake to be emptied by March 11

As the wave of Syrian refugees arriving in Nova Scotia eases, the provincial government is promising the rest of the donations stored at the Bayers Lake drop-off centre won't go to waste. 

Between Dec. 5 and Jan. 5, the former Rona building quickly filled with nearly 6,000 bags of clothing, furniture, household items and toys. Volunteers sorted the donations and turned the centre into a makeshift department store. 

"I was amazed at the generosity of Nova Scotians and I was amazed by how some [refugees] were overwhelmed," said volunteer Paul Pettipas. "Now, it's sort of a social meeting place for them. This has been a bit of a home." 

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But as the centre's temporary lease with Armco Capital and Rank Inc. nears its end on March 11, Immigration Minister Lena Diab said the remaining donations will be itemized, boxed up and given to not just refugees, but to any Nova Scotians in need.

"We've reached out to many community organizations around the province," Diab told CBC News on Monday. "I could tell you I just found out there's probably around 20 of them that have already received a lot of items that are from here." 

'Everything will be used'

Diab said refugees will continue to arrive in Nova Scotia, but in smaller groups. There is no longer a need for such a large space to house what donations are left, she said.

"We're continuing to reach out more to give a lot of the items to groups that are in need here in the province."

To start moving donations out of the building, the province has made arrangements with The Native Friendship Centre, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, Metro Turning Point, Phoenix House, and the Canadian Diabetes Association. 

In addition, groups from Shelburne, Digby and LaHave that privately sponsored refugees have also come to pick up items. Daycares in the province will also be given much-needed toys. 

"As I said from day one, we will not be disposing of anything. Everything will be used," Diab said. 

Armco Capital says a two-day trade show will be taking over the space in mid-March.