Three regional United Ways join United for Refugees campaign

…..Eastern Ontario communities ready themselves to support Syrian refugees…..

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 14, 2015 – Pembroke – Three United Ways serving the communities of Renfrew and Lanark Counties and Prescott Russell have joined the United for Refugees campaign to support refugees of the Syrian crisis. Funds raised will be used to support the sponsorship and settlement of refugees in these counties.

“We’re all heartbroken by the Syrian crisis, and members of our community are telling us they want to help,” said Gail Logan-McMeekin, Executive Director of the United Way Renfrew County. “Together, we want to be prepared to support these refugees as they build new lives in our communities.”

United for Refugees is a community initiative to raise funds for the sponsorship and settlement of people affected by the Syrian crisis. The Government of Canada has committed to bringing 10,000 refugees to Canada by the end of 2015, and another 15,000 by March 2016.

Following on United Way Centraide Ottawa’s successful launch earlier this week, the United Ways of Renfrew and Lanark Counties, along with Prescott-Russell are launching United for Refugees in an effort to make sure that newcomers to these regions have the right tools to start a new life.

“This fundraising effort focuses on getting resources to where they are needed the most and will have the greatest impact,” said Jodie Densmore, Executive Director, Centraide United Way Prescott-Russell. “Donations will be used to assist with sponsorship, provide counselling for refugees in their native language, mental health support, English and French language training, employment supports and more,” she added.

Each regional United Way is now accepting donations for United for Refugees on their websites. Here in Renfrew County the website is: www.renfrewcountyunitedway.ca.

“United Way has a long history of helping newcomers in our community,” said Fraser Scantlebury, Executive Director of United Way Lanark County. “We know we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by the crisis in Syria.”