MOSAIC is Your Chance to Make a Difference
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has grown worse with the Taliban takeover, extreme poverty and two recent and devastating earthquakes. Donating to MOSAIC can save lives.
Afghanistan is facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The Afghan people are entangled in conflict, drought, extreme poverty, human rights violation—especially for women and girls—and two devastating earthquakes. “The Taliban continues to oppress Afghan women and girls, depriving them of their rights,” says Sharon Butler, Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships from MOSAIC, one of BC’S largest settlement and employment services organization supporting immigrants and refugees.“they are not allowed to work or own businesses. Girls as young as seven years old are being taken out of school and not allowed an education. They need your help.” MOSAIC is working tirelessly to bring to safety some of the millions of Afghan people who have been forcibly displaced and live in daily fear for their lives. The organization has been sponsoring Afghan refugees since 2021 and aims to sponsor around 700 people—including families, women and children, and single refugee women—through its Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. So far, the program has brought 82 Afghan refugees to Canada—many of whom supported Canada’s peacekeeping efforts in the country before the Taliban takeover. “Seeking asylum and a safe life for their families, refugees are pleading for help from around the world,” Butler SAYS.“MOSAIC is a leader in this Canadian effort, working to sponsor refugee families and help bring them to safety. If we don’t help, these families can face up to ten years of waiting or further deportation.” But the costs are hefty. It takes $35,000 to support a family of four or $20,000 for an individual, and funding for the project will close by the end of 2024. MOSAIC is seeking financial contributions to continue its work. “Your giving saves lives and brings hope to refugees,”butler says.“everyone deserves a safe life and a place to call home.” People in British Columbia can donate to help in the sponsorship process through MOSAIC.“WHEN families arrive to Canada, we refer them to settlement agencies and any other resources that are relevant and available to them,” says Sherman Chan, Director of Family and Settlement for MOSAIC..“WE develop a settlement plan with them for a year and ensure access to English classes, employment support, further education, and trauma counselling when needed, all while making sure they are getting to know their community.”
KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA – BC & YUKON BRANCH
Since 1964, the Kidney Foundation has supported world class kidney health and transplant research, facilitated by community donors who are vital to the tremendous advancements the organization has seen over the years in kidney care. Some of the major milestones include better prediction and prevention of kidney disease, development and improvements in dialysis treatment, so kidney patients can dialyse at home, and breakthroughs in life-saving organ transplantation and success. “Donor support is key to even more discoveries in the years to come,” says Ramya Hosak, Director of Philanthropy with Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch.“we have the power to relieve the burden of kidney disease, but it’s only possible with your help.” The Kidney Foundation of Canada - BC & Yukon Branch has served thousands of kidney patients in the local community, ensuring marginalized and vulnerable populations have equitable access to programs, services and treatments. “The overwhelming support from the significant number of impacted kidney patients in the community in spreading the word about our support services, resources, research and community engagement events has been instrumental in reaching businesses and donors,” Hosak says. A current initiative from Kidney Foundation is Choosing Kidney Car—a hassle-free way to get rid of an old vehicle while benefiting kidney patients across BC and Yukon. The program picks up all kinds of vehicles, running or not, usually within 48 hours, leaving behind a charitable tax receipt for $700 or more. Vehicles donated to the program are 100% recycled or sold to be re-used. “It’s the fastest, easiest and most trustworthy way to get rid of an unwanted vehicle,” Hosak says.“by doing so you will support the 1 in 10 Canadians living with chronic kidney disease. Help improve lives and donate your vehicle today.”
SALVATION ARMY
As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada, The Salvation Army offers unprecedented support to society’s most vulnerable.“when you give to The Salvation Army, you are giving hope today by investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people,” says Gina Haggett, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations from The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth in London, England, in 1865. In 1882 they began work in Canada and immediately started to help those in need. Today, it operates community and social service programs that feed, clothe and shelter individuals and families, while helping those living in crisis escape violence and addiction.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE “Across British Columbia, The Salvation Army operates in over 50 communities, over 400 communities across Canada, and more than 130 countries around the world,” Haggett says.“we provide direct, practical and compassionate support to over two million people each year in Canada.” Last year across the country, 3.9 million meals were served at shelters and in feeding programs, 359,000 people were helped at Christmas with food hampers and toys, 1,500,000 people were assisted with food, clothing or practical assistance, and 1,100 people were helped when an emergency or natural disaster struck. Those numbers don’t include 115,000 students who were fed through school meal programs or the 4,800 shelter, addictions, detox and mental health beds provided. “Financial support is needed to continue to fund our vital programs and services,” Haggett says.“many of our programs rely on the hard work and time our volunteers give.”