140th Anniversary Sponsorship Initiative Surpasses Goal

On St. Patrick’s Day last month, the Diocese of Niagara’s 140^th anniversary year came to quiet conclusion. Its impact, however, continues in bold and transformative ways.

Bishop Michael Bird’s ambitious goal of welcoming 50 refugees to mark this anniversary and in response to the global refugee crisis is expected to be significantly surpassed by the end of the year. The goal represented five to ten times more refugees that we would normally welcome in any given year.

People and parishes responded in all sorts of incredible and unexpected ways, and continue to respond generously to the diocesan anniversary initiative. As of the beginning of April, 28 refugees have been welcomed to parishes within the Diocese with another 51 expected to arrive in the coming weeks and months. In addition, nearly a dozen parish sponsorship groups are working towards submitting an application. Hundreds of volunteers from across the Diocese have been engaged to support these efforts, often bringing renewal and energy to the parishes and groups and people involved.

"Our anniversary sponsorship initiative has allowed us to shine a strong beacon of light and hope and peace into the darkness of this global crisis," said Bishop Bird. "It is changing people's lives; changing our lives and the lives of refugees, and is making a real difference in the world."

Having fled persecution and violence from countries like Syria, Iraq and Myanmar, by all accounts the newcomers who have arrived are doing well in their new communities; Port Colborne, Hamilton and Burlington to name a few. Children are beginning school, adults are enhancing their English, connections with people and community groups are being facilitated, health issues are being attended to, and community orientation is ongoing. Sponsorship groups walk with newcomers throughout their first year in Canada support their orientation and full participation in local communities.

This includes financial support, and people throughout Niagara and beyond have generously opened their wallets to support. Several parishes raised over $20,000 in a matter of weeks to support their particular parish sponsorship, others organized concerts to support our diocesan efforts and hundreds of Anglicans made contributions toward our refugee sponsorship fund ranging from five dollars to thirty-thousand dollars. Donations can still be made through the refugee sponsorship webpage.

“Our role as sponsors is to help facilitate the newcomers literally regaining control of their lives,” said Scott McLeod, our diocesan refugee sponsorship coordinator. He noted that many refugees have their lives on hold for months and years, waiting, sometimes in camps, sometimes in cities, without the ability to work or receive an education. “We are helping those we have sponsored regain their self-determination and self-sufficiency, and we do this on our part with compassion, solidarity, flexibility and adaptability. We offer support that gives them back the freedom to live their lives.”

The Diocese is also working with several community groups, faith organizations and local families to assist their efforts to welcome refugees through our sponsorship agreement. It is expected that an additional 50 refugees will be sponsored this year through such partnerships.