Refugee Sponsorship
Our Refugee Sponsorship Committee is continuing a longstanding tradition of Canadian Unitarians in providing support to refugees. Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova, a Jewish refugee to Canada, founded the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada in 1945 to aid other refuges around the world following World War II (including Palestinian refugees). Our own congregation has been active in refugee resettlement since at least the mid-1950’s, when we assisted Hungarians fleeing the Soviet regime. In the intervening years, we have helped boat people from Vietnam; Kosovars fleeing the conflict in the former Yugoslavia; and refugees from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
We are currently raising the funds to sponsor a family of five from Burundi, one of the most repressive, corrupt and violent countries in the world, and hope to submit the sponsorship application before the end of 2025.
Donations of any amount are appreciated. All will receive tax receipts. The church has a special fund for refugee work only. You can donate through e-transfer to e-transfer@calgaryunitarians.ca or write a cheque payable to “Calgary Unitarians” and mail it to 1703 – 1 St. NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 4P4. Please be sure to specify in the “notes” box of your e-transfer or on the memo line of your cheque that it is for the Refugee Fund. OR the button below!
Once the Family us settled we plan to sponsor a Rainbow Refugee (LGBTQ+) in collaboration with the Calgary Centre for Newcomers.
Calgary Unitarians support them financially for one year and helpthem settle into Calgary, including obtaining housing, English instruction, employment, and access to needed services (medical and dental care, banking, etc.); orienting them to life in this new country; and facilitating community connections. If you would like more information about refugee sponsorship and why we do it, or are interested in joining the committee.
