Refugees settling in Victoria and Fraser Valley get support from Vancity Humanitarian Fund
March 6, 2017, Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancity Humanitarian Fund is distributing $50,000 to local agencies responding to the needs of refugees in Victoria and the Fraser Valley.
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria will use its $25,000 grant to assist in bringing more refugees to Victoria. Another $25,000 will be directed to Abbotsford Community Services to help create a safe environment for children of refugees while their parents or caregivers broaden their Canadian knowledge, fluency in English and other skill sets.
Held at the Vancity Community Foundation, the Vancity Humanitarian Fund was established in 2015 to support ongoing and emerging humanitarian initiatives. Since its inception, the fund has distributed more than $216,000 to support the Syrian refugee crisis as part of a matching donation program.
Vancity will be contributing an additional $100,000 to the fund to be used as an endowment to generate ongoing funding for humanitarian causes.
British Columbians can donate to the fund through any of the following options:
- online through the Vancity Community Foundation website
- Vancity members can donate through Vancity’s online banking “pay bills” function
- Vancity Visa* cardholders can donate their points online at myvisarewardsplus.com or by calling Vancity Visa at 604.877.4999 or 1.800.611.8472.
In addition, as part of a public campaign on diversity and inclusion, from now until May 30, for British Columbians who join Vancity and set up a pre-authorized payment or deposit, the credit union will donate $100 to the Vancity Humanitarian Fund to support refugee families.
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“Vancity was built on social justice and inclusion. We have a long history of working with refugees and immigrants. Galvanizing support and creating partnerships to help meet these and other needs humanitarian needs is a natural fit for us.” William Azaroff, executive lead of Vancity’s member experience and community engagement
“We’ve had the privilege to witness the impact these funds can have on refugees who are resettling in Canada. This support from Vancity provides the opportunity for resettled refugees to gather the tools and information they need to build their life in a new country.” Jean McRae, chief executive officer of Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
“It’s important for us to receive funding that allows us to work with local agencies who are helping to bring more refugees to Canada. These funds and the community of Abbotsford are instrumental in supporting refugees who come to our community.” Manpreet Grewal, director of multicultural & immigrant integration services for Abbotsford Community Services
Additional information
About Vancity
Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative serving the needs of its more than 519,000 member-owners and their communities in the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw territories, with 59 branches in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay. As Canada’s largest community credit union, Vancity uses its $19.8 billion in assets to help improve the financial well-being of its members while at the same time helping to develop healthy communities that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
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For more information:
Lorraine Wilson | Vancity
T: 778-837-0394
mediarelations@vancity.com
*Visa Int./Vancity, Licensed User.