Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are making great progress in sponsoring our Afghan refugee family, thanks to your continued support! The Refugee Sponsorship Committee has been exploring various options to bring the family to safety. After Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) put all private sponsorships on pause in November 2024, the committee remained determined, seeking alternative pathways. From investigating different embassies for visa applications to discovering that the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria is open to receiving our application, we remain committed to this urgent cause.
Key Updates & Next Steps:
Surrey Visit: Our Refugee Sponsorship Committee recently traveled to Surrey to meet with Sumaya, Yasin, and Yasin’s family. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect, hear their experiences, and reaffirm our commitment to bringing their loved ones to safety.
Application Submission to ICA: Targeting completion by the end of February.
Fundraising Goal: An additional $10,000 is needed to submit the ICA application.
Security Checks & Paperwork: Finalizing forms and submitting required documents.
Financial Overview:
- Total Required for Submission: $77,228.79
- Funds Raised So Far: $69,667.25
- Remaining Need for Submission: $7,561.54
- Total Support Needed (estimating 12 Months Pre-Arrival): $19,200 ($1,600 per month to cover living expenses, visa renewals of $100 CDN per person, and food).
Urgent Situation in Pakistan
The family’s current situation in Pakistan remains precarious. Every day, they face the real and immediate danger of being deported back to Afghanistan, where their safety is at grave risk. The urgency to complete our sponsorship application and secure their future in Canada cannot be overstated.
How You Can Help
Our immediate focus is raising the remaining $8,000 by February 28, 2025, to submit the application. Every contribution brings us closer to welcoming the family to safety.
We are also encouraging those who are able to consider donating monthly until the family can get to Canada. These funds will help cover daily living expenses and required visa renewals, totaling $1,600 per month.
We deeply appreciate your ongoing prayers, support, and generosity. If all goes smoothly, we could welcome the family to Canada within 12–15 months—or sooner!
How to Donate
For immediate-need donations, please indicate “Refugee Sponsorship – Immediate Need” via cheque, cash, or the following link:
Donate Here
For monthly donations, please indicate “Refugee Sponsorship – Monthly Donation” via cheque, cash, or the link here.
Thank you for being part of this life-changing journey.
With gratitude and hope,
James Bay United Church Refugee Sponsorship Committee
(Photo Below: February 1, 2025 – Visit with Sumaya, Yasin, Yasin’s family, and the JBUC Refugee Sponsorship Committee in Surrey.)
