FaithLife Financial Working With Region of Waterloo’s Immigration Partnership to Help Ukrainian Refugees
The organization will match donations up to $15,000, for a total of $30,000
WATERLOO, ON | April 2022 — FaithLife Financial has joined forces with the Region of Waterloo’s Immigration Partnership to help refugees arriving in the Kitchener-Waterloo area after fleeing the war in Ukraine. The insurance organization has pledged to match donations up to $15,000, for a total of $30,000 to support the Immigration Partnership.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, countries around the world have welcomed more than 4 million refugees fleeing the violence. Millions more are internally displaced within Ukraine. Refugees need access to food, shelter, emergency supplies and trauma support.
”The war in Ukraine is a devastating situation for everyone involved. We encourage FaithLife Financial and its members to live generously and aid in any way they can,” said Glenn Hymers, FaithLife Financial President and CEO.
More than 10,000 refugees have arrived in Canada so far. The Immigration Partnership is working to connect new arrivals to local supports and services, including food, clothing and shelter. Donations can be made to the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives through FaithLife Financial’s GiveSome page. The partnership fund will collect financial donations to ensure the money is used in the best way to help newcomers.
A number of Ukrainian families have settled in Waterloo Region so far, and more are expected to arrive in the coming weeks and months.
The Ontario government announced emergency supports for Ukrainian refugees on April 6. The province will also help connect newcomers to jobs once they arrive.
Premier Doug Ford said he expects around 40,000 Ukrainians to arrive in Ontario under new emergency travel authorizations, but added many have already arrived and are staying with family or friends.
Ukrainian newcomers will be able to access provincial health coverage, along with emergency housing supports and counselling.
FaithLife Financial is hopeful that employees, members and local residents will help the Immigration Partnership continue its important work in the community.
”We want to lead by example, making sure we are just as committed as community members who are stepping up to help those in need,” Hymers said.
FaithLife Financial will match donations from FaithLife Financial staff, members and Waterloo Region residents up to $15,000, for a donation total of $30,000.
”Donations to the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives will enable us as a community to meet the most pressing needs of people arriving from Ukraine as we learn what is needed. This flexibility is critically important and will show our newest neighbours how much this community cares about them,” said Tara Bedard, Executive Director of the Immigration Partnership, Region of Waterloo.
Canadians can donate online through FaithLife Financial’s GiveSome page from now until May 16.