OXFAM photo
Over the last four and a half years, conditions for the citizens of Syria have deteriorated dramatically. What began as the Arab Spring protest has become a brutal war resulting in devastation across Syria. To date, it is estimated that close to a quarter of a million Syrians have been killed , almost eight million Syrians have been displaced, and more than four million Syrians have fled the country as refugees. This unprecedented exodus of refugees has created an extraordinary crisis. Recent events have brought this crisis to global attention, and now is the time for all of us to take action.
The Canadian Labour Congress, in conjunction with the Canadian Council on Refugees, has established a special CLC International Assistance Fund to help sponsor and support the settlement of Syrian refugees in Canada. OSSTF/FEESO has approved a donation of $5 ,000 to this fund. This donation is in addition to the $5 ,000 that we donated for Syrian refugees in May of 2015 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
OSSTF/FEESO encourages members to join your Federation and make a donation to help the refugees of Syria. We recommend two ways to make your donation go further.
1. OSSTF/FEESO has approved a doubling campaign that will help sponsor and support the settlement of Syrian refugees in Canada. This option uses the OSSTF/FEESO Humanity Fund to match member and district donations. To make your donation to this campaign send your cheque payable to:
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OSSTF/FEESO Humanity Fund
Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation
60 Mobile Drive
Toronto, Ontario M4A 2P3
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Cheques must be received by December 1, 2015. OSSTF/FEESO will issue you a tax receipt, match all contributions to a maximum of $15,000, and donate the doubled amount on the Federation 's behalf to the CLC International Assistance Fund.
2. OXFAM: To support refugees who are in need in and around Syria, we encourage you to donate directly to OXFAM Syria Emergency Relief Fund. This fund has already reached over 1.5 million people, across Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, who have been impacted by the Syrian crisis. Individual Canadians who take advantage of this option will have their donations matched by the Canadian government if they are received before December 31, 2015. Donations to this fund can be made online at www.oxfam.ca/syriacrisis.
3. Ottawa: {Refugee} 613 is the Ottawa Mayor's Joint Initiative with the United Way (the United for Refugees Campaign).
Sponsor a refugee - Join others to help bring a refugee to safety in Ottawa. Learn what’s involved and connect with advisers who can help you.
Donate - Support refugee sponsorship groups and local settlement agencies. Put your dollars to work through the United for Refugees Campaign
Volunteer - Resettlement takes more than just money. Volunteer your time, skills and friendship to help someone make a new life here.
