KINGSTON, ON./Dec. 12, 2016 – Residents are urged to donate to the Community Refugee Relief Fund through the United Way of KFL&A to help resettle more refugees expected to arrive in the Kingston region in the coming months.
“As mayor I am proud of the generosity and kindness of our community,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “Over the past year, we have provided a welcoming and supportive environment for every arriving refugee to our region. Thanks to the commitment of community partners and volunteers, and financial contributions to the Refugee Relief Fund, we continue to successfully resettle refugees, who can now call this region their home.”
Last year’s Community Refugee Relief Fund donation drive raised more than $53,000, including a $20,000 donation from the Communication Foundation for Kingston and Area. To date, $26,000 has been distributed to refugees to help cover expenses not covered through other funding services including dental care, employment certifications, medical devices and interpretation services.
A collaborative effort between the City of Kingston, the United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington, KEYS Job Centre, Kingston Community Health Centres, the fund has assisted over 200 refugees who have settled in the region since May 2016 when Kingston was named a Resettlement Assistance Program Centre by the federal government.
The United Way administers the fund with no administrative fee and an advisory refugee committee oversees the distribution of the funds.
Here’s how to donate to the Community Refugee Fund:
Online: <https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/refugeerelief>
In person or by mail:
United Way KFL&A
417 Bagot St.
Kingston, ON K7K 3C1
City Hall Payment Centre
216 Ontario St.
Kingston, ON KL7 2Z3
Community Foundation for Kingston & Area
165 Ontario Street Suite #6
Kingston, ON K7L 2Y6
County of Frontenac
2069 Battersea Rd.
Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0
County of Lennox & Addington
97 Thomas St. E.
Napanee, ON K7R 4B9
Donations should be clearly marked “Refugee Relief” and tax receipts will be mailed for donations of $20 or more.
Information on sponsoring families, donating household items or volunteering can be found on the City’s website at <http://www.CityofKingston.ca/refugees>
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