Northern Lights Refuge

Dear NLR Supporters,

These are busy and exciting times for Northern Lights Refuge. After welcoming two LGBTQIA+  newcomers to Ottawa in the summer of 2023, we have initiated three new refugee (a couple and 2 single individuals) sponsorships from a diverse geographic cross section.  But what makes each case universal is the need to get them out of harms way as soon as possible as they are all living in countries where being gay is not only illegal, but often punishable by torture, prison or death.

Coming to a completely new country and adapting to an unfamiliar culture is challenging.  Combined with the current cost of living crisis and increased demand for settlement services, your support of NLR has enabled us to make that transition less traumatic and place us in a stronger position to set-up our newcomers for longer-term independence. Having settled refugees in Ottawa for over five years, we are pleased to report that our earlier sponsees have adapted to life in Canada, have pursued educational opportunities and are living independently and openly as members of the LGBTQIA+ in Canada.  We are also pleased to tell you that our first sponsee became a Canadian citizen in July 2023 and recently successful complete his re-certification and is now working as a Dentist!  Without your generous support, this would not have been possible. So we thank you for your support in bringing them here.

In light of the three sponsorships we are currently working on, we kindly ask you to consider a donation to Northern Lights Refuge today. Your generosity, in any amount, will help us in our mission to support and welcome an LGBTQIA+ family to re-start a new life in Canada.

Thank you for your continued support and kindness. People like you are what makes Ottawa the great and generous community we all enjoy.

Sincerely,

The Northern Lights Refuge Team