Practical Things We (Canadians) Can Do for Syrian Refugees

I hope that as the heartbreaking photo of Alan fades from people's memories, that the conviction to do something for refugees does not. That we'll know the millions of people in far off lands, having seen their friends and family attacked or killed, or been attacked themselves, are just like us. They are us. They are computer programmers and veterinarians. They are barbers and store clerks. They have sweet boisterous children, loving cranky spouses, aging supportive parents. They are us under different circumstances. One day they woke up after a night like the night we just had, safe asleep in our beds, to a day as a refugee. Fleeing for their lives, with whatever belongings they could carry.

Let us do something for them. The us that is far away.

There was a British article circulating about how to help support Syrian refugees. I thought I'd make it a little more Canadian focused.

Sponsor a Refugee (/Family)

We in Canada are the only individual citizens in the world that can sponsor a specific refugee to our country (assuming they qualify as a refugee through UNHCR). 

LEARN ABOUT SPONSORSHIP HERE

Andrew and I have been involved in raising funds for refugees already in KW, and to bring them to KW since 2009. This is something we are very passionate about. We're once again working with our church to raise funds for refugee initiatives, including the upcoming sponsorship of Syrian refugees.

Please check out our fundraising page if you'd like to donate.

Where the money goes:

Sponsorships (Syria, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo), MCRS, Welcome Home, partners in South Sudan.

If you're interested in starting your own sponsorship or joining us in one, please contact me for more information.

Make Refugees an Important Election Item

Write a letter to your local candidates. Ask them their party's stand on refugee resettlement in Canada (private vs government sponsored). Ask them if they as individuals will support you in working towards bettering the lives of refugees and refugee claimants already in Canada. Ask them if they would bring something about a specific refugee cause to the House if you asked them in the future (petition, help in a claims appeal etc.).

Make a donation

I suggest these large organizations that are already on the ground.

UNHCR
Help in Syria
Help for Syrian Refugees in Europe/Mediterranean

World Food Programme
Helping Syrians in Syria and surrounding countries

Canadian Red Cross
Help in Syria
Help for Syrian Refugees in Europe

Get Involved with Local Groups

Find a Syrian cultural group in your area. They're likely working towards helping Syrian refugees.
In KW

Sign a Petition for the Canadian Government to Do More for Syrian Refugees NOW (not after the election)

1. The picture of Alan is on this petition (Avaaz.org). Now that the image is everywhere, I don't want to see it without crying. The more I see it the easier it is to not react. And that seems wrong. So just a warning, the picture is there and shouldn't be ignored.

2. Amnesty International petition. Remind the Prime Minister and all party leaders that Canada welcomes refugees.