Montrealers who want to help Syrian refugees can volunteer their time, donate new clothes, and give money to the efforts.
Among the reputable organizations seeking volunteers and donations is the newly formed umbrella Canadian Alliance for Syrian Aid, or CASA. It was recently created to help coordinate all the requests for donations that schools, community groups and individuals are offering. Contact them at info@casa-org.ca or call their hotline at 1-855-797-2272.
They are looking for volunteers to help familiarize refugees with their new environment in Montreal.
“Taking that person around just to show him where is the nearby clinic, where is the nearby grocery shop, where is the nearby postal shop. For that person, it means the whole world to them,” explained Faisal Alazem of CASA.
The Regional Program for the Settlement and Integration of Asylum Seekers(PRAIDA), in partnership with the YMCA Residence maintains a permanent collection of clothing for newcomers. In particular, they are seeking coats, sweaters, pants, boots, tuques and gloves for adults, children and babies. These items can be dropped off Wednesday, Dec. 2, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., CLSC de Cote-des-Neiges, main entrance.
Cooperation Rosemont – Ensemble avec les familles refugiees, is a Facebook page designed to connect local people and families with Syrian newcomers.
“People want to invite them to supper, just to you know, break the ice and feel at home,” explained the group’s creator Anais Detolle.
Close to 400 people have joined the group so far.
The Syrian Canadian Council offers tips on their website on how to organize a fundraiser to help the Syrian people.
You can also visit Canada's Citizen & Immigration website, which has extensive information on how to donate, volunteer and sponsor refugees.
Knitters can lend their skills to the group 25,000 tuques, a Quebec group that wants to provide tuques to refugees for the cold winter ahead.
Are you a member of a group that's help Syrian refugees? Let us know, and we'll add it to the growing list.
