Are you interested in a meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunity?

The DJC has been approached for help by Hive, a volunteer organization that helps get LGBTQ+ individuals, primarily in Afghanistan, out of danger and into safe countries. Two young Afghan gay men who came to Canada with Hive support spoke movingly about their experiences at the DJC Refugee Shabbat on May 8. For more information about Hive, see https://www.canadahive.org/about-us/.

Volunteers are currently needed to provide settlement support for a 26-year-old gay man from the Uyghur region of Xinxiang, China. He has experienced detention and torture and is now living in Dubai. His legal documentation to reside in Dubai is expiring soon. 

Canada has a fast-track for LGBTQ+ refugees, so he could arrive as soon as 12-18 months from now. He speaks good English. He would need at least one or two more volunteers. There are now five confirmed co-sponsors, four of whom are from Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation (NUUC), who can also help. It would be great to have a couple of young people involved who could introduce him to open LGBTQ+ life in Toronto.

His sister, mother and young nephew are with him in Dubai and are also seeking to come to Canada as refugees. It’s likely that they would arrive later. His sister and mother need at least three volunteers, preferably with some knowledge of the school/daycare system and children’s needs as well as medical services and support/social services for the elderly. Spots for all of them have been reserved with JIAS Toronto, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder https://jiastoronto.org/.

As a first step, they need volunteers now to help complete their refugee applications for approval by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 

Volunteers would need to make a one-year commitment once the refugees arrive in Canada. Volunteer tasks would include airport greeting and helping with various settlement duties, e.g. getting a SIN number and OHIP card, setting up a bank account and finding LGBTQ+ friendly affordable housing, a family doctor and employment. A settlement worker from JIAS would provide guidance and support. Many DJC members have been in sponsorship circles working with JIAS and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. 

There is no fundraising required for this family as Hive receives sponsorship support through private endowment funds. However, general donations to Hive are welcome, to help support the basic living expenses of refugees before they arrive in Canada. See the donations page at: About Us - Hive Refugee Services Association

If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact the DJC office at info@djctoronto.com.