KINGSTON, ONT./Oct. 10, 2017 – Residents are urged to donate to the Community Refugee Relief Fund through the United Way of KFL&A. The funds raised help refugees settling in our community with critical needs to help them integrate. Supports provided by the fund include work certifications, emergency dental work, mobility devices and other needs.
“I am proud of the generosity and kindness our community has shown in welcoming refugees to our community,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “The Refugee Relief Fund is a great showcase of this generosity as Kingstonians help families secure a happy and healthy start to their life in Canada and our community.”
Established in May 2016, the Refugee Relief Fund has distributed more than $36,000 to families who have taken refuge in Kingston. These funds cover expenses not covered through other funding sources to provide key services and support devices. To date the fund has helped:
– refugees get needed dental procedures.
– refugees get work certifications so they can re-enter the workforce.
– refugees with mobility needs.
Kingston Employment and Youth Services (KEYS) was also given $2,000 to provide, at its discretion, bridge funding emergency assistance to families experiencing the delayed disbursement of Child Benefits.
The fund is a collaborative effort between the City of Kingston, the United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington, KEYS Job Centre, and Kingston Community Health Centres. The United Way administers the fund with no administrative fee and an advisory committee to oversee the distribution of the funds.
Here’s how to donate to the Refugee Relief Fund:
Donations should be clearly marked “Refugee Relief” and tax receipts will be mailed for donations of $20 or more.
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
County of Frontenac
2069 Battersea Rd.
Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0
County of Lennox & Addington
97 Thomas St. E.
Napanee, ON K7R 4B9
About the City of Kingston
The City of Kingston provides municipal services to 125,000 residents living in this visually stunning, historic city, often ranked one of the best places to live in Canada. Kingston is focusing on being smart and livable as it pursues its vision to become Canada’s most sustainable city. We focus on environmental responsibility, social equity, economic health and cultural vitality – ensuring that today’s decisions don’t compromise our future.
Please visit <http://www.CityofKingston.ca> and join the conversation on social media.
Twitter: @CityofKingston
Facebook: <http://www.facebook.com/TheCityofKingston>
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Media contact: For more information call the communications department at 613-546-4291, ext. 2300
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