Robertson-Wesley United Church is working in partnership with the Refugee Response Group to sponsor Syrian Refugees.  All donations made through this page will go directly towards this sponsorship initiative.

REFUGEE RESPONSE GROUP – SPONSORING A SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY

What can we do?

The crisis in Syria has caused many of us to ask this question. With four million refugees fleeing the civil war, it can seem like the problem is so big that we, as individuals, have no power to help. The people fleeing Syria are just like us. They had lives and livelihoods and want what is best for their families. To bring hope to this sense of urgency, we have created the Refugee Response Group.

Who are we?

We are a constituent group working together to bring an extended Syrian family to Edmonton. We come from all walks of life and have joined together through a common compassion. We are not a religious organization but we are working in conjunction with the United Church of Canada which has a master agreement with the government of Canada to aid in sponsoring refugees.

Who are we helping?

The United Nations has identified 2 related families from Syria who are living in a refugee camp in Lebanon; the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Canadian Government have deemed this family in need of urgent assistance. The refugee camp where they are now living is not a safe or healthy place for a family to live. The families are made up of a couple with 7 children ranging in age from 2 to 16 and another couple with a 1 year old and a baby on the way. Edmonton is a fantastic place to live and we want to share our wonderful city with a family in need of a new life.

What is our goal?

Our group needs to raise approximately $50,000 to support the family. Once the family arrives, we as a sponsorship group share the financial responsibility of supporting the family for 1 year along with the Government of Canada. This is a blended sponsorship between our group and the Canadian Government. The family is provided a loan by the Government of Canada to cover the cost of transportation; the family is responsible for repaying the cost. The Refugee Response Group’s financial support for the family includes all living expenses such as housing, food, clothing and transportation costs. We will also provide resettlement support in areas such as finding medical care, registration in schools, English language instruction, securing employment and accessing community resources.

So… What can YOU do?

Our goal is to raise $50,000 is a bold one, but we believe that through the generosity of Canadians we can reach this goal. Please consider making a donation to the Refugee Response Group in one of the following ways:

• Donations can be made by: Cash, Cheque (payable to Robertson Wesley United Church with Refugee Response written as the memo)
• Through Canadahelps.ca there is an option for monthly donations, if that is more convenient for you.
• Christmas gift giving – Why not give the gift of giving? Donate to the refugee family in the name of a friend or loved one and receive a certificate to let them know of your generous donation on their behalf.
• Donation of gift cards to department and grocery stores are also welcomed as the family will have ongoing needs for basic necessities.
• Volunteer your time- we are going to be running numerous events and many hands make a light load. If you are interested in getting involved please email Michele at michelleyoung15@gmail.com
• Join our Facebook Group “Refugee Response Group” and stay connected with developments and fundraisers.

No donation is too small or too big. Please ask yourself what you can afford to help give toward the priceless gift of a new beginning for this family. Thank You for your generosity, It is truly appreciated.