ABOUT
Canadian Connections formed in August 2021 as the settlement team for Afghan-Canadian Interpreters, an advocacy group of veterans who have worked tirelessly to facilitate the evacuation of Afghan interpreters and their families.
Our founding members are ordinary people who want to help. We are social workers, teachers, media and communications professionals, artists and activists. Many of our core volunteers ran The Clothing Drive, one of the largest grassroots efforts for the reception of Syrian refugees in 2015, and were instrumental in the creation of Newcomer Kitchen. Between us, we have sponsored and mentored hundreds of refugees.
We are not a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) and can not sponsor refugees to Canada. We assist with their settlement needs once they arrive.
OUR MISSION
To provide meaningful, low barrier settlement support to refugees navigating new lives in Canada.
OUR VISION
We envision a Canada that genuinely embraces refugees, values their contribution to the social and economic fabric of our country, and eases their integration so that they feel supported to be who they want to be.
OUR VALUES
People come first
No matter the project, goal or challenge; everything we do starts out the same way, with an unshakable belief that people come first. People are listened to, respected for their opinions, and encouraged to contribute in the best way they can. We will only achieve our vision when we bring out the best in each other.
Trust is paramount
Without it, we isolate ourselves, lose confidence, and are ineffectual. With it, we foster safety, optimism and open communication. Trust is the foundation upon which healthy communities thrive.
Resilience is our core strength
There is a time and place for getting things done, and fast. But long-term goals require patience and resilience. When things are hard, we help each other to remain calm and positive, and to keep working towards our vision.
