The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund: Stories

Refugee sponsorship encouraged April 27, 2009

Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Anglican dioceses across Canada and the Government of Canada are planning to welcome up to 50 new refugee families over the next two years. The joint project was discussed Fri. Apr. 24 at a special meeting held by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

“The 50 Refugee Families Sponsorship Project is an exciting component of the PWRDF’s 50th anniversary program,” Archbishop Hiltz said. “Sponsoring refugees provides a tangible opportunity to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. In many cases, these families have been struggling to survive in refugee camps for years, even decades. Our support of refugee sponsorship represents renewed hope for a life of freedom, dignity, and peace.”

^{From left: Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada; Elizabeth Walton, Refugee Coordinator, Diocese of Huron; Carolyn Vanderlip, 50th anniversary Coordinator; Jeannethe Lara, Program Officer, The Americas & Refugees; Cheryl Curtis, PWRDF Executive Director; and Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. Larger photo.}

Anglican dioceses that hold sponsorship agreements with the Government hope to welcome up to 50 refugee families. The families will be selected by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and referred to Canada for resettlement. This initiative is part of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund’s (PWRDF) 50th anniversary celebrations which began in October and will run for 20 months.

“Canada has a proud tradition of opening its doors to people from around the world and providing a safe haven to those in need of protection,” said Minister Kenney. “Private sponsors, such as the Anglican Church, represent a significant and diverse group of volunteers from across Canada. Since 1978, private sponsors have collectively brought more than 200,000 refugees to Canada, over and above the refugees resettled with government funding.”

People interested in helping to support these new families should contact Carolyn Vanderlip at The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
416-924-9199 ext. 266 cvanderlip[at]pwrdf.org