Refugees

St George’s has been involved in sponsoring and supporting refugees for over 50 years. They have arrived from many countries: Afghanistan, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Iran, Kosovo, and Vietnam. In addition to providing financial assistance there is the daunting task for volunteers of integrating the refugees into Canadian Society – securing housing, furnishings, employment, the teaching of English, banking and shopping.

During the last two years, St George’s has sponsored a refugee couple, and both sponsored and assisted with the support and settlement of a mother and seven children in her care. The couple quickly found employment and have been upgrading their Grade 12 with the aim of pursuing post-secondary education. The mother and the seven children, who ranged in age from 4 years to 14 years, are all enrolled in school programs, and have made substantial progress in their education and in the their understanding of life in Winnipeg and Canada.

The work of sponsoring and providing assistance to refugees is ongoing – always with the hope that they will enjoy their new life and contribute to their community.