Help refugees: Volunteer and donate
Many refugees will need extra help getting settled in Canada. Supportive social networks and service provider organizations are essential to the integration of newcomers, including refugees.
Through these networks and organizations, refugees can get information, find housing and jobs, improve their language skills, become civically involved, gain critical cultural knowledge and receive emotional and other support.
We encourage individuals, communities and businesses to welcome refugees and help them integrate into the communities.
Volunteer in your community
Consider volunteering with an organization that works with newcomers in your area.
Search our interactive map for federally funded organizations that may be in need of resources, visit Volunteer Canada’s website for ideas or seek out volunteer opportunities in your community.
Donate to help in Canada
New refugees have immediate needs, including furniture, clothing, food, dishes and much more as they resettle in Canada. Canadians can help by donating money to local organizations such as Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) that help support newcomers in Canada.
If you want to find out if an organization is a registered Canadian charity that can issue tax receipts, check the charities listings.
Local donations can go a long way. Not sure where to start?
In British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Nunavut, you can visit 211.ca or call 211 toll-free to find out how you can offer support for refugees. 211 is Canada’s primary source of information on government and community-based health and social services.
Consider donating through the
A few more ways you can contribute
- Donate to charities or not-for-profit organizations that provide housing, goods and services to newcomers.
- Direct money to private or community foundations or organizations that help sponsor refugees, such as a local SAH.
- Encourage a business to fund a scholarship for newcomers.
Find out where the refugees are going
Learn which communities and service provider organizations across Canada are welcoming refugees.
Sponsor Syrian refugees
There are a few ways to sponsor refugees. Find out which way works best for you.
From Damascus to Toronto: Mohamed
Facing forced enrolment in the Syrian army, for a war he did not want to join, Mohamed fled to Lebanon, where his dreams of Canada took root.