Rebuilding lives: All over the world, refugees have to leave their countries & homes behind to find safety. Be part of empowering refugees as they establish new lives in Canada.

Join us in making a difference. We are raising money to benefit the refugee support program of the CANADIAN UNITARIAN COUNCIL (CUC), and any donation will help make an impact. Thank you in advance for your generosity in aiding newcomers build new lives and homes in Canada.

Newcomers like this young couple, Claude and Martine, who had to flee their African home, leaving behind a life of fear and the threat of kidnapping. They were subjected to harrassment because of their Unitarian Universalist beliefs and the fact that they were not affiliated to the regime’s political party. Not being loyal to the party's slogan could led to persecution, and in some cases, death.

In Claude's own words (names have been changed to guard identity):

"We left our home country in May 2019 and traveled to Uganda. That was our first time journey to Kampala. We did not know anybody or any place there before. We started a new life of struggling to meet end need, uncertainty and of course we kept being fearful about our safety because of our host country's proximity to home country. There was an attempt to kidnap me in Uganda and to tarnish my name through different ways. The only best thing that happened

to us during our five years in Uganda was birth of our two children."

The couple contacted the CUC's Executive Director, whom they had met at an international Unitarian Universalist conference some years previously. With the support of a local Canadian congregation and generous gifts, the family was able to come to Canada in early 2025, a journey which had started six years earlier.

Soon after their arrival, Claude wrote, "Growing up in a conflict area I can tell you without any doubt that these months have been the best of my whole life. I gained back my self-esteem, my hopes for a peaceful and non-violent life, freedom to think and speak. I can sleep peacefully and wake up thinking about my family’s future. That could never happen in the last six years back. I am looking forward seeing my children growing up and going to school!.... Thank you, CANADA, for the opportunity you have given us to rebuild our lives. We are optimistic about our future. Thank you for allowing us to dream again and dream big. We look forward to contributing to our new community."

They are not alone. Each year, the CUC as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, works with congregations and organizations to bring refugees to a new home. The funds raised from your generosity go directly towards their homes, education, transit fees, retraining, food and furniture, toys, and internet tools to keep newcomers informed and connected.

Give. Be part of new beginnings. Help build community.