Mayor Jim Watson wants Ottawa to open its doors to Syrian refugees.
He has announced the launch of Refugee 613 – a temporary project to help anyone interested in responding to the refugee crisis. The initiative is described as a “clearing house” of information and resources related to refugee settlement. It is intended to be a first point of reference for anyone hoping to sponsor refugees, volunteer, or make donations.
“Ottawa has an extraordinary resource pool of experience, insight and wisdom when it comes to issues of refugee resettlement,” said Mayor Watson. “We’re not sure how many and we’re not sure when, but we want to be ready to welcome these families properly when they do arrive.”
“The goal of Refugee 613 is to relieve the pressure on local settlement agencies and help residents who want to offer a safe haven to people caught up in the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe,” said Louisa Taylor, director of Refugee 613.
The initiative was launched Thursday at City Hall as part of the Mayor’s Public Forum on Syrian Refugee Resettlement Efforts. The forum featured a discussion and an information fair involving more than 22 community agencies and faith groups.
The United Way of Ottawa has also announced its United for Refugees campaign, in partnership with Refugee 613, the City of Ottawa, Community Foundation of Ottawa, and others. The goal is to raise funds to support sponsorship efforts in Ottawa.
And the uOttawa Refugee Hub has launched the Refugee Sponsorship Support Program, designed to provide free legal advice to anyone interested in becoming a sponsor.
