Contact the volunteer coordinator by using the link on this page or by emailing brenda.cooper@saultcareercentre.ca

Meet one-on-one with the volunteer coordinator.

Obtain a Police Records Check if you will be working directly with a family.

Attend a group training and orientation session with other volunteers.

According to the Geneva Convention of Refugees, a refugee is, "a person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his [or her] nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself [or herself] of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his [or her] former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.”

In June 2014, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that there were over 50 million refugees and asylum seekers worldwide, the highest number in the post-World War II era. Currently, Syrian, Afghan, and Somalian refugees are the highest displaced people, with Syrian refugees surpassing all others as of 2014, due to the ongoing Syrian Civil War which erupted in 2011. Worldwide, refugees are seeking basic provisions: food, clean water, shelter, education, and inherent human rights. They are fleeing extreme poverty, degradation, inhuman treatment, violence, conscription, and war. Many are living in refugee camps, sanctioned by the United Nations. The living situations in these camps are also bleak, and resources are exhausted. Due to the ongoing refugee crisis and the increase in refugees worldwide, countries around the globe have been asked to help. Countries have opened their borders and adapted immigration policies allowing refugees to find shelter and safety, and to resettle their families in a foreign country. These countries are giving refugees a second chance at life.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) of 2002 provides the legislative authority for Canada's immigration program. IRPA contains various provisions that allow the Minister to issue special instructions to immigration officers to enable the Government of Canada to best attain its immigration goals.

Under the Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) Program, refugees are referred to Canada for resettlement by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or another referral organization. Individuals cannot apply directly. You must register for refugee status with the UNHCR or state authorities to be considered by a referral organization. A GAR’s initial resettlement in Canada is entirely supported by the Government of Canada or the province of Quebec.

This support is delivered by non-governmental agencies called service provider organizations funded by IRCC. GARs receive support for up to one year from the date they arrive in Canada, or until they can support themselves, whichever happens first.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada/government-assisted-refugee-program.html?_ga=2.48128482.496898254.1530628337-1572183499.1530628337

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Services charges $15 for the check.  There is no reimbursement for this.  Occasionally fingerprints are required; the SCCC will provide a letter of request, and the fingerprinting fee will be waived.  The Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) does not charge for checks.

This depends entirely on what the parents want.  In the beginning, the parents may be hesitant; however, with time, the relationships between volunteers and families will become stronger, and the families may have no issue.

Enhanced life skills

Intercultural and cross-cultural learning from one another (punctuality, Canadian workplace, school culture, etc.)

Community connections and this may entail social networks in the community

Assistance with medical and dental appointments. This involves transportation and also assistance with making appointments and dealing with automated phone services. Most of our families will need to see dentists and doctors fairly soon after arrival.

Encouragement to continue learning English; the more frequently our families practice English conversation, the faster they will learn.

The children who are of school age (particularly from Gr. 5 through to university age) have gaps in their learning resulting from having their education interrupted. For the older ones, this may have happened twice, once in their country of origin and once in the country of refuge. The schools are aware of this and are working to help. Extra encouragement and empathy from volunteers is good.

The families are likely struggling with drastic changes in economic and social status. This may have happened first in their country of refuge. It is happening again for them here. Again, understanding and empathy will help.