The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation 29 King Street East – Suite B, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 2K4 Phone: (519) 725-1806 Fax: (519) 725-3851 www.kwcf.ca
Syrian Newcomer Fund Matching program doubled to $400,000
(December 15th, 2015) – Just a few days have passed since the announcement of the establishment of the Immigration Partnership Fund for Syrian Newcomers at The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation (The KWCF). The fund opened with a $100 donation last Wednesday, and since then, has seen a tremendous surge in support. To date, the community has donated more than $80,000.
"We have seen support from across the breadth of the community," shares Rosemary Smith, CEO of The KWCF. "People from all walks of life are recognizing that we each have an opportunity and a responsibility to help welcome our Syrian newcomers and invest in them and ensure their ability to thrive in Waterloo Region."
In addition to the $80,000 in donations, The KWCF is proud to share that many of our Donor Advised Fund Holders have stepped up in true fashion to support community needs contributing a combined $200,000. When added to the original $200,000 from The KWCF’s Community Fund, the total available to be matched now sits at over $400,000.
"It is clear that our Fund holders and our community believe wholeheartedly in the importance of the work of the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership, and their ability to address the long-term needs of the Syrian Newcomers," adds Smith. "The work of the Partnership in welcoming, integrating and creating a sense of belonging will not happen in the short term. A long-term strategy for continued support will be needed if they are to become productive contributors to their new community."
Those looking to donate to The Immigration Partnership Fund for Syrian Newcomers are encouraged to visit The KWCF’s website at: www.kwcf.ca.
For more information on how you can help donate other goods, to volunteer or sponsor a family visit wrwelcomesrefugees.ca.
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The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation improves the quality of life in Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding area, now and for generations to come, by building community endowment, addressing needs through grant making, and providing leadership on key community issues.
The Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership is a community-wide collaboration of community agencies, business and municipal partners working together to facilitate the successful setting, working and belonging of immigrants and refugees in Waterloo Region. It was created on the conviction that successful settlement and integration is a mutually beneficial process that involves both immigrants and the broader community engaging in a process of mutual learning and inter-relatedness.
For more information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Bethan Llewellyn Director, Executive Services
The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation
Phone: 519-725-1806 ext. 205
Cell: 519-807-4260
www.kwcf.ca
Bryan Stortz
Director, Corporate Communications
Region of Waterloo
Phone: 519-575-4408
www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca
wrwelcomesrefugees.ca
