Welcoming our new neighbours

Last weekend, United Way British Columbia welcomed our new neighbours from Syria to their new homes at four United for Refugees welcome lunches. The grassroots events were held in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey and Vancouver at community schools. Local community agencies set up information tables, volunteers staffed the lunch and activities, and new Canadians enjoyed a welcoming experience to our community. Altogether 800 people attended the lunches. The lunch was a success because of the collaboration of our community partner agencies: MOSAIC, Immigrant Services Society of B.C., SUCCESS and Pacific Immigrant Resources Society. Lunch guests went home with donated products from Lush Cosmetics, Nature’s Path (Ratana Stephens, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Nature’s Path also serves on the United Way Board) and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In Burnaby, guests also received free leisure passes from the City of Burnaby. None of the lunches would have happened without the help of our tremendous volunteers “United Way British Columbia’s vision is a healthy, caring, inclusive community for everybody,” said Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia. “We are so proud of how our community has rallied together, has opened its arms and doors and continues to welcome our new neighbours to their new home.” From November 4, 2015 to March 18, 2016, 1661 Syrian government assisted refugees have settled in B.C.

•  Almost 1 in 4 is under the age of 6.
• 60% are under the age of 18.*

  Over 90% are now in permanent housing in 19 different communities across BC with the highest concentration in these Lower Mainland cities:

• Surrey – 55%
• Coquitlam – 15%
• Burnaby and Vancouver – 7% each
• Delta – 6%*

  United Way British Columbia has a long history of helping refugee families settle and integrate in the Lower Mainland. In 2016, UWBC will be investing $2.8 million into programs and services to help refugees and immigrants from around the world. This includes programs designed specifically for Syrian families such as:

• a drop-in program for Syrian refugee families through the Early Years Refugee program
• mental health support programming including eight 5-week group sessions for Syrian adults and children delivered through DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society
• art and play therapy groups for Syrian families with children under the age of 12 in Burnaby through MOSAIC.

  Recently, United Way launched an urgent fundraising appeal United for Refugees, to help Syrian children and families settle here in our community. To date, $175,000 has been raised and is already doing good in the community! To participate and make a donation, go to www.uwlm.ca/refugees.   Photos from United for Refugees Welcome Lunch in Vancouver: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedwaylowermainland/albums/72157667310717076   Photos from United for Refugees Welcome Lunch in Burnaby: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedwaylowermainland/sets/72157667267937361   Photos from United for Refugees Welcome Lunch in Coquitlam: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedwaylowermainland/albums/72157667311202436