Since 2003, the Diocese of Kootenay has been a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) with the federal government, and as such is the liaison agent for groups wishing to sponsor refugees. Our Diocese has had Constituent Groups in Castlegar, Cranbrook, Kelowna, Kimberley, Nelson, Penticton, Salmon Arm, Tatla Lake, Vernon, and Williams Lake. These Constituent Groups (CG) have welcomed more than 83 newcomers from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Liberia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Syria.
The formation of these Constituent Groups has provided an opportunity for church communities to work together with other churches and the wider community to assist in sponsorship of the many newcomers. They help by volunteering to drive, to teach English, to find and offer resettlement services, to provide financial assistance, and numerous other activities.
Click here for an information sheet about sponsoring refugees in the Diocese of Kootenay.
It is a privilege to work with all those who have hearts to offer refuge to others. The plight of refugees in our world is enormous and is getting more and more disastrous each day. This ministry of welcoming the stranger is vital and one that we as a Diocese must continue.
Click here to go to the Government of Canada Refugee Sponsorship webpages.