Main fundraiser photo

Making an Impact in the Lives of Refugees!

Fatima and Carlos first arrived in Canada in 2019.  They grew up in civil war, with families torn apart and homes bombed. Their story is typical of so many refugees fleeing war and destruction out of desperation seeking a way to keep their families and themselves safe. This much-needed safety in a supportive environment is what they receive at Oak Bay Welcome Houses. 

We all know how hard it is to get a good paying job in order to live in an expensive city like Victoria.  With all the challenges of war trauma, loss of family and limited English, the difficulty is greatly magnified.
To find jobs, refugees need to learn English, understand technology, navigate a complex refugee process, build a local social network AND pay for food, clothing, healthcare and even toilet paper!

OBWH is a joint project between Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society and District of Oak Bay to create a safe, supportive transition house where we can build the capacity and optimism of traumatized refugees so they can become successful members of our beautiful community.
An OBWH resident recently had his first exercise experience in years. Sponsorship by a benevolent local gym manager resulted in him saying enthusiastically: "I've never felt so good in my whole life!"

These refugee welcome houses receive no government funding. Nor do donations go towards salary for the live-in staff members who make it all happen. This Go Fund Me campaign will specifically pay for the costs of running these houses. Donations will also be used to pay minimal rent thanks to the generosity of Oak Bay Council.
We hope to raise $25,000 to cover most of these costs for the next 2 years.

There are many refugees like Carlos and Fatima and they need our help. Your charitable donation provides a roof over their heads and a safe haven.

Thank you for your kindness and your support.

Tax receipts for donations over $25 will be issued by VIRCS. 
Oak Bay Welcome Houses website:  http://www.obwh.org
Vancouver Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society: http://www.vircs.bc.ca

Organizer

Oak Bay Welcome Houses
Organizer
Victoria, BC
Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society
Beneficiary

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