A total of $3.5 million in donations from eight philanthropists has made it possible for 685 refugees to settle in Canada by the end of this year.
Following the donations, the University of Ottawa Refugee Hub and Jewish Family Services, in partnership with the Shapiro Foundation and Giustra Foundation, set up a fund to quickly fill 1,000 unclaimed sponsorship spots offered through the Canadian government’s Blended Visa Office Referred (BVOR) program.
Refugees from Syria, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries were sponsored by Canadians who stepped forward to help vulnerable families find a home.
Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said that such acts reflect long-held Canadian values:
"Canada has a long history of welcoming refugees from all around the world. We have seen how the generosity of Canadians has changed the lives of refugees for the better and the success of this initiative is a testament to that generosity. I would like to thank everyone involved as this will make a difference for so many.”