How you can help - welcoming refugees with open hearts

By the end of 2016, Ontario is expected to welcome up to 10,000 Syrians looking for a fresh start. In the spirit of the giving season, let’s extend our new neighbours a warm welcome. We have created a list of organizations currently working with Syrian refugees, and provided, below, some ways you can help these new Canadians settle into their new home.

 Donate

• There are countless organizations mobilizing to help refugees both at home and abroad. If you would like to make a gift to a local organization, you can contact newcomer settlement agencies that are close to home.


• The Government of Canada has set up the Syria Emergency Relief Fund to support international humanitarian relief efforts. Every dollar made by individual Canadians to a registered Canadian charity before February 29, 2016 will be matched by the government.


•  If you have items to donate, it is recommended to contact organizations to find out which goods they are in need of. New or gently-used household furnishings can be dropped off at a furniture bank, baby clothes and gear to New Mom Project, and clothing, toys or goods to various settlement agencies.

Volunteer

• The gift of your time and expertise is just as valuable. You can find opportunities to contribute to organizations directly working with newcomers on Volunteer Toronto. Find more targeted opportunities posted by local agencies involved in welcoming efforts on SPARK Ontario.


• Refugees could also benefit from pro bono legal advice on the sponsorship process. Lawyers can add their names to this list. If you are an educator and would like to help children with their homework or teach English, local school boards can also point educators to various teaching opportunities.

 Sponsor

• As recommended by the Government of Canada, the quickest and easiest way to sponsor a refugee or family to come to Canada is to connect with an established Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) – a trusted resettlement organization. If you would like to directly support someone’s transition to independent living, you can also find helpful information about private sponsoring within the GTA.

 Housing

• Property owners looking to offer housing to newcomers can coordinate with their local municipalities. Agencies such as COSTI Immigrant Services can also set up accommodation for refugees.

Show your support

• Welcoming events are taking place across the city and are a perfect opportunity to meet our new neighbours. Inspire others by endorsing the Canadian Council for Refugees’ list of recommendations for a positive Canadian response to the resettlement of Syrian refugees. And, don’t forget to share your stories with #WelcomeRefugees

Find out more
There are countless ways to show your compassion and be an agent of change. Find out more about how you can help by calling 1-844-61 SYRIA (9742) or visiting www.211ontario.ca.