- Judy Chaplin and Nancy Metcalfe
We all have heard, and continue to hear in the media, about the plight of millions of refugees fleeing war in Syria. On September 27th, Norma McCord, Chair of Global Partners for the UCC Ottawa Presbytery and Chair of the Coalition in Ottawa for Refugees, came to Woodroffe United Church to speak to interested members of our congregation about the refugee crisis and, more specifically, about the UCC response. As a follow-up to the presentation, a meeting was called on October 28th to explore whether WUC would choose to sponsor refugees. Thirteen people attended the meeting with several others expressing interest, but unable to attend. On November 4, 2015 the WUC church Council approved a motion to support the ad hoc Refugee Committee in their efforts to sponsor a refugee family (up to 4) or an individual.
A number of organizations, including the United Church of Canada, have signed sponsorship agreements with the Government of Canada, to help support refugees from abroad when they settle in Canada. These organizations are known as Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH).Having this status allows us to apply to sponsor refugees through the Blended Visa Office Referred (BVOR) program. Under this program, costs are shared by the government and the sponsoring group.
We have indicated that we will sponsor a refugee family (up to 4) or an individual. Once the refugees have been identified, we will move on to the next stage, which is to complete the application forms. Lawyers at the University of Ottawa have offered, on a pro bono basis, to help groups such as ours with the forms. Once completed, the forms will be submitted to the Central Processing Unit in Winnipeg. After approval of the application, the request is sent to the appropriate visa office abroad, where arrangements will be made for the refugees to travel to Ottawa. The length of our official commitment is one year from date of arrival.
Your help will be needed in a variety of areas. For more information, and to offer your assistance, please contact either Nancy or Judy. See email addresses below.
FYI, a designated fund has been set up called the “Refugee Fund”. Donors can use their church envelopes, indicating “Refugee Fund” on the “Other” line on the envelope. Cheques should be made out to “Woodroffe United Church”.
As a committee, we look forward to welcoming refugees to Ottawa.
Judy Chaplin: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nancy Metcalfe: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.