Refugee Sponsorship
"The resettlement of refugees gives hope and restores life. It is life changing for the refugees who come to Canada, and it is life changing for people here in our diocese who help them resettle. The experience grows compassion and allows our hearts to grow. It is a very hands on way to make a real difference in the lives of people who are in great need, and to be a living part of the outcomes and opportunities of people."
The Reverend Scott McLeod, Associate Priest, St. George's, St. Catharines
An unprecedented 82.4 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are 26.4 million refugees. UNHCR Refugee Statistics
Since 1999, our diocese has resettled approximately 850 refugees. From individuals to families – even a family of 15! – we have given hope to many. We continue to restore lives as we resettle more refugees with the many volunteers and donors who facilitate, support, and promote the settlement of newcomers.
The work of refugee settlement is only possible through the compassionate commitment of people like you.
Each year our diocese warmly welcomes refugees into our communities. After fleeing persecution, refugees can thrive and enrich Canada because they are protected, welcomed, and offered care. With your support through time and financial donations, we are changing lives.
Through our Private Sponsorship Agreement with the Canadian government, our diocese provides welcome and hospitality to some of the world’s neediest people who have lost everything due to war and strife. Any of our churches as well as affiliated ecumenical or community groups can become sponsors for overseas individuals or families who are classed as refugees. While sponsorship represents a significant commitment, there are a variety of options available to interested groups to make sponsorship both affordable and manageable.
Why support refugees?
- Jesus—himself a refugee—invites us to ministry that transforms lives.
- With the many crises throughout our global community, the need to resettle refugees has never been greater.
- Refugee sponsorship can bring a parish together for a common goal as well as develop community partnerships.
- Sponsoring a refugee family does not only change their life, it will change your life.
To learn more about Refugee Sponsorship, please email The Reverend Scott McLeod.
"One of the ways we meet Jesus is in the face of the stranger - when we can provide welcome and hospitality to some of the world’s neediest people who have lost everything due to war and strife."
The Reverend Scott McLeod, Associate Priest, St. George's, St. Catharines Tweet
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