Sep 15, 2021 -
Individuals looking to help refugees coming to Waterloo region this year, including those from Afghanistan, can donate money to a new fund that will provide cash to organizations working to resettle people in the community.
The fund is a joint project between the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation, and the Immigration Partnership of Waterloo Region.
The Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation started the fund by donating $20,000.
Elizabeth Heald, the group's president and CEO, said she has heard from community members and groups wanting to help.
"In 2016, the community really came together to support the Syrian refugees and as part of that effort, we partnered with Immigration Partnership, and we're honoured to do that again," Heald said in an interview.
"We're hoping to inspire and encourage other Waterloo region residents to donate to this fund as well and help support the work of Immigration Partnership and organizations that welcome newcomers to our community."
The fund, called the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives, will accept donations through the end of this year, and the money will be distributed to community groups. A link to donate is on the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation website.