Make a Life Changing Difference for a Refugee Family
MCC Manitoba partners with people like you to respond to the needs of displaced people across the world. Sponsoring a refugee family provides hope for those with no prospect of returning home start a new life in Canada. Through Welcome the Stranger – also known as the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program – MCC and the Canadian government make it possible for refugees with no prior ties to Canada to arrive in Canada within a few months.
How does the program work? Sponsorship is a one-year commitment. Sponsorship groups comprised of five or more people are matched with a refugee family or individual who have been fast-tracked by the UNHCR and the Canadian government for resettlement in Canada. Once matched, families are travel ready and may arrive within one to four months.
What does it cost? Financial support for the first year is usually shared between the government and the sponsoring group – however, MCC Manitoba currently has access to a unique Catalyst Fund that covers the private portion of costs. This means there is no financial cost to sponsoring groups who partner with MCC Manitoba.
What does sponsorship involve? Sponsorship groups play a vital role in the resettlement journey, committing to providing 12 months of social, emotional and settlement support. They assist with practical things like housing, access to health care, school enrollment and job searches. As well, they offer friendship and emotional support. And MCC provides sponsoring groups with guidance and support every step of the way.
Questions? Our Frequently Asked Questions guide has lots of helpful information. Download our FAQ guide here. You can also contact MCC’s Welcome the Stranger Coordinator here or call 204-261-6381.
You could make a life changing difference for a refugee family.
Sign up for our FREE educational email series, “Welcome the Stranger: Journey of Sponsorship”, and learn what it takes to sponsor an at-risk refugee family fast-tracked for resettlement in Canada.