how can i help?
Get informed
Around the world, more than 68 million people are displaced from their homes.
Here are some sources of information about the situation:
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UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
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The Guardian - This UK publication is well-regarded and publishes thoughtful articles about the refugee crisis.
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Washington Post - A US publication that has reported extensively on the refugee issue.
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The Globe and Mail - One of the best sources for articles about refugees in Canada.
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ReliefWeb - ReliefWeb is the leading humanitarian information source on global crises and disasters. It is a specialized digital service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
sponsor refugees
Canada has one of the best refugee sponsorship programs in the world. If you don't live in Canada, you can still support refugees by donating to sponsorship groups.
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - This Canadian government website will give you all the official information about becoming a refugee sponsor through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Your role as a sponsor is to support the refugees for the length of the sponsorship. This includes help for housing, clothing and food, as well as social and emotional support.
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Refugee Sponsorship Training Program - This program provides training and support to Canadian refugee sponsorship groups, Sponsorship Agreement Holders and sponsored refugees.
welcome refugeeS
UNHCR has produced a video with some ideas for how to help refugees in your community.
The video offers 8 suggestions for how to get involved.
There are refugee settlement agencies across the country. Contact the organization closest to you and find out how you can welcome newcomers to Canada. Some agencies include:
Vancouver
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MOSAIC - MOSAIC is a registered charity serving immigrant, newcomer and refugee communities in Greater Vancouver for the past 40 years. They offer a number of volunteer opportunities in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Toronto
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COSTI - COSTI has service centres spread throughout Toronto, York Region and Peel that offer employment services, English language training and shelter for refugees, providing the means for hope to over 42,000 people each year.
show your support
Let your Member of Parliament know that you support policies to bring refugees to Canada. The contact information for all Members of Parliament can be found here.
have questions?