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Refugee Sponsorship
Welcoming Newcomers
The United Church of Canada in partnership with the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has a long tradition of sponsoring refugees to come to Canada. In the past two decades, Runnymede United has been an active part of that tradition, having completed three sponsorships.
Iraqi Family
From 2014 to 2023, Runnymede United actively worked on bringing an Iraqi refugee family to Canada. The family and our congregation were very happy when the complicated paperwork was completed, and the family arrived in Toronto in March 2023.
A dedicated group of church and community volunteers has worked tirelessly to facilitate the family’s settlement into Canadian life.
The two adult sisters and four children are attending classes to improve their English and learn about their community. Runnymede’s financial help for one year assists the family with costs of living, while the continuing social support and friendships will last for much longer.
We wish Feryal, Nawal, Basheer, Baraa, Sudad and Rafal success and happiness in their new homeland!
Syrian Family
In 2016, in partnership with Royal York Road United Church and Kingsway-Lambton United Church, Runnymede United sponsored and welcomed a Syrian family. This family of four has settled well into life in Toronto and has applied for Canadian citizenship.
Ethiopian Family
In 2005, Runnymede United sponsored and welcomed a family from Ethiopia. The head of the household came to Canada initially with three children, and two older children followed two years later. A true success story for all involved!
In order to make these sponsorships possible, we gratefully accept volunteer and financial support from the Runnymede community, and friends of Runnymede in the wider community. If you’d like more information, please contact the office. Thank you!