Christ Church Cathedral has a long history of supporting refugee families. Over the last ten years, four family groups have been welcomed to the Victoria community through the work of cathedral members and the private sponsorship program.
In 2014 a Palestinian mother and the youngest of her six children came to Canada then, four years later, one of her older sons with his wife and young child. That same year, a single young Eritrean man who had been living in Tel Aviv arrived in Victoria. Due to the efforts through the COVID years of a co-sponsorship group comprised of a family member, as well as local community and cathedral members, a young Eritrean family with three children finally arrived in Canada. All of the newcomers have settled well into life here, learning English, participating in job training and securing employment, getting married and raising their families without fear of persecution.
At present, Christ Church Cathedral is involved in two new and different refugee projects. Members of the cathedral are working in a partnership with others from three faith communities and non-religious groups to sponsor a Syrian/Palestinian widow and her two teenage daughters. It is hoped that this family will arrive in Canada within the next two to four years. The second project is in cooperation with the Church of St. John the Divine and involves a refugee program known as Rainbow Haven. You can learn more about Rainbow Haven by clicking on the link on this page.
Your prayers are asked for the safety and well-being of all refugees, but especially for those we are sponsoring as they await word of safe transport to Canada.
Donations for Refugee Support and Rainbow Haven can be made to Christ Church Cathedral by cheque, credit card or e-transfer at giving@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca Please ensure you note Refugee Support or Rainbow Haven with your donation.
For more information please contact the Cathedral office admin@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca