By Sarah Klein
John McCallum, left, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, greets Khloud, centre, along with her family at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on Monday, February 29, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
A $500,000 contribution has been made to the Welcome Fund for Syrian refugees.
Community Foundations of Canada announced the funding on Thursday to The Winnipeg Foundation. Disbursements will be made to two local settlement organizations, beginning with Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), and Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC), also known as the Welcome Place.
More than 800 refugees have since settled in Winnipeg this year.
“These funds will help Syrian refugees with housing and will build connections between newcomers and the community to ensure newcomers are able to integrate and thrive in Winnipeg,” said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship John McCallum.
The Welcome Place will receive $150,000, with the IRCOM receiving $75,000 to assist Syrian families.
“Citizens, businesses and community organizations have stepped up to assist and the generous funding from the Welcome Fund will be a great complement to the tremendous work already underway,” said Mayor Brian Bowman.
The Winnipeg Foundation is continuing its discussions with local organizations to determine the best use of the remaining funds. Announcements on additional disbursements will be made in the coming weeks.
