Have you ever considered sponsoring a refugee?   In 2007, 7,500 persons entered Canada as government-sponsored refugees and another 3,500 refugees arrived under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

The value of a private sponsorship is the extra personal attention devoted to the refugees after they arrive.  Typically, sponsors will provide financial assistance to the refugees for one year or until they are able to support themselves.  More than the financial support, though, the sponsors have a big influence in the integration process and often smooth the way for them to adapt to life here.

For most refugees, coming to Canada is a huge adjustment-everything is new.  If they come from a long-term refugee situation, having been relegated to areas for many years where they were unable to work freely, the change can be even more profound.   To go from a life of instability to a stable environment is not as easy as it sounds and it is often difficult for these newcomers to trust and believe in the opportunities presented to them.

If you’re from Saskatchewan you will know we have a rich tradition of reaching out to help others (e.g. TeleMiracle).  There are several organizations and private groups across the province who have welcomed countless refugees and assisted them in getting settled.

If you want to learn more about what is involved in sponsoring, the Guide to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program gives you all the information to understand what is involved.   Most importantly, pay attention to who can be sponsored, i.e. Convention Refugees, Country of Asylum Class, and Source Country Class.