SAFE ARMS RICHMOND: Our Refugee Journey

Together with other Richmond Churches, South Arm United,  Richmond United and Richmond Presbyterian Church, GPUC is sponsoring a three generation family fleeing violence from the Congo.  

Our group is called "Safe Arms Richmond", because we live between the "arms" of the Fraser River, and we hope to welcome these people to our community with open arms.

We need to raise $80,000 or more to find adequate housing and help the family settle, ensuring access to English classes, assisting the children with getting settled in school, supporting them with job training and job searches, access to medical and dental care and helping them to feel settled and part of our community. At this point we have roughly half of that amount. COVID protocols have impacted international assessments and travel in a huge way. 

We had hoped to welcome our family of 9 in the summer of 2022, but that has not been the case. This family is living in dire circumstances in Entebbe. Please pray for them. But also advocate for them.  Learn about what's happening and how you can help.

Donations can be made directly to Gilmore Park United Church, please put "Refugee Sponsorship" in the notes line at the bottom. Charitable Receipts can be issued.  

For more information please contact the church office (office@gilmoreparkunited.ca or 604.277.5377).

{Photo Credit: Julie Ricard of Unsplash}