Show your local love: Help your immigrant and refugee neighbours!
As islanders, we have shown that we can come together because we are united by our care and compassion for one another and our sense of community – neighbours helping neighbours.
The Ukrainian humanitarian crisis is a major concern to us as Canadians. We are home to the largest Ukrainian population outside of Europe and more than one in five Canadians are foreign-born. Here on Southern Vancouver Island, over 18% of our community is comprised of immigrants and refugees. Many more people are expected to come due to conflicts, human rights and social-economic barriers being faced around the world.
Resources for Ukrainians arriving in British Columbia
Through BC211, United Way provides support for displaced Ukrainians as they navigate this challenging transition, and connect compassionate British Columbians to volunteer and donation opportunities. A list of supports and resources is available on BC211’s website.
Looking to support or volunteer?
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities in BC, please visit ivolunteer.ca.
If you have goods or services you’d like to donate, please fill out this donation form. United Way will coordinate and direct donations according to community needs.
If you have accommodation to offer for those arriving without secured housing, please click here.
Donate to local services
For 85 years, United Way Southern Vancouver Island has served the local community and remains dedicated to supporting people in areas where they need it most. We are making an appeal to the community to come together and help our immigrant and refugee neighbours here on Southern Vancouver Island.
Your contribution will help provide services such as mental health supports through our Blue Love initiative, resources such as Little Phoenix daycare for children who have experienced trauma, or will go towards local immigrant and refugee-serving programs.
United Way works with community partners such as the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) to help deliver critical programs to address barriers specific to the newcomer experience. “Settlement agencies, such as VIRCS, ease the integration process by supporting newcomers to overcome barriers that are unique to their needs and circumstances, so that they can participate in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada. We also support newcomers to overcome and/or cope with trauma resulting from displacement and migration, violence, and experiences of racism,” says Karen Hira, VIRCS Executive Director.
Make the gift of belonging today.