Like all Albertans, with opportunities and support, newcomers have much to offer their communities. While organizations across Alberta engage and assist newcomers every day, the current influx of Syrian refugees has created a greater need for this valuable work. More newcomers depending on nonprofit services will have further reaching implications as newcomers get settled and become community members.
Many people want to help out. We are collecting resources, tools, and referrals for organizations and individuals who want to help welcome Syrian refugees to our province.
Learn how you can get involved, or find support for the work you are already doing.
Integration, on the other hand, is a years-long process. The need for volunteers to help Syrian refugees connect with their new communities will continue – and that need goes beyond traditional settlement agencies.”“…there is often a great deal of focus on the immediate aspects of settlement: finding housing, registering for school, setting up bank accounts, learning a new language and accessing health care.
Nonprofit Resources
Connect with resources, funding, and tips for nonprofits supporting Syrian refugees.
Read More
Opportunities for Individuals
Learn how you can get involved and support Syrian refugees in your community.
Read MoreGetting Started
Syrian Refugee Resettlement: What does it mean for nonprofits and supporters?
Understand the impact of the largest refugee resettlement plan since the 1980s for the nonprofit sector, and what the ongoing needs, challenges, and opportunities will be for organizations and supporters. By Paula Speevak from Volunteer Canada.
How the Syrian Crisis Came Home to Small-Town Canada
Read about the personal toll of the Syrian Refugee Crisis for one newcomer and how Lethbridge has come together to make a difference. Get inspired to join in and help out in your community!
Government of Canada Refugee Information and Initiatives
Find up-to-date information on Syrian refugee resettlement in Canada, and connect to and support the initiatives that are underway.
Government of Alberta Refugee Information and Initiatives
Find out what Alberta is doing to welcome Syrian refugees to our province. Learn more about Alberta initiatives and opportunities to get involved.
#WelcomeRefugees – Join the Conversation
Use social media to share what you are doing – working, donating, volunteering, or sponsoring – to help welcome Syrian refugees. Use the hashtag #WelcomeRefugees to join the conversation on Twitter.
Playing Together – New citizens, sports & belonging
In this report, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship shares how sports can be used an effective means to help newcomers feel at home.
Nonprofit Resources
We are asking organizations like yours to share your experiences, strategies, and resources for embracing newcomers in Alberta communities, so that we can share this valuable information with organizations across the province. Please let us know how your community is stepping up to support newcomers!
A challenge and an opportunity: How the Canadian nonprofit sector is welcoming Syrian refugees
A detailed look at the challenges and opportunities the Syrian refugee resettlement offers for Canadian nonprofits. By Susan Fish from Charity Village.
The Arts and Culture Welcome Refugees
The Canada Council for the Arts and Sun Life Financial are offering grants for arts organizations wishing to provide free access to refugees to a performance, exhibition, or arts events in their communities.
Communities invited to apply to support Government-Assisted Refugees
Smaller municipalities working collaboratively with employment, housing, educational, and other community partners are invited to submit their plan to welcome and integrate Government-Assisted Refugees into their community.
The Government of Alberta Community Initiatives Program funds initiatives that enhance and enrich communities throughout Alberta.
Welcome Fund for Syrian Refugees
The Welcome Fund for Syrian Refugees was established to provide housing, job training and skills development support for the 25,000 refugees who will be welcomed in communities across Canada in the coming months.
Engaging Volunteers: Newcomers
Today’s refugees will be tomorrow’s volunteers. Learn how to engage newcomers as volunteers in your organization to benefit your whole community.
Opportunities for Individuals
The Government of Canada – Donate. Volunteer. Sponsor.
Find out how you can support Syrian refugees and which organizations to connect to in your community.
The Government of Alberta – How Albertans can help
Learn more about supporting Syrian refugees in Alberta, and find organizations to connect to in your community.
Show You Care ProjectCARE Canada is asking Canadians to welcome Syrian refugees with the Show You Care project. Upload a short, 15-second positive video message to welcome Syrian refugees and share some advice for settling here.