Opportunities to Assist in Welcoming Refugees to Fredericton
In the coming weeks the City of Fredericton will be preparing to welcome the Syrian refugees that will be staying in our community. For those of you who are interested in helping with the process, there are a variety of ways to get involved!
Refugee Welcome Fredericton: This is a group of locals that want to be involved in helping the refugees who will be staying in Fredericton get settled. For more information on this group you can e-mail them at refugeeswelcomefredericton@gmail.com
Government Hotline for Donations: The province of New Brunswick has recently set up a hotline so that people can donate housewares and clothing, or make monetary donations. The number is 1-855-444-6554, and more information is available here.
Multicultural Association of Fredericton: This organization is looking for Arabic and Kurdish Interpreters/Translators for Syrian Refugees. For more information please contact Joanne Owuor-Larocque at 452-0652 or by email at joanne@mcaf.nb.ca
All other volunteer opportunities through MCAF require a 6 month commitment. They have Sponsorship meetings every Thursday from 12-1 pm at the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, you can register by 12 pm the Wednesday before by contacting Joanne whose information is listed below.
First Fredericton Friends- Volunteers will be matched with newly arrived newcomers to meet once a week for a couple of hours. MCAF will attempt to match you with someone with similar interests, and the same gender. You will help with introducing them to the community, practicing English, sharing traditions and customs, and exchanging resources.
Tutors (English and/or French)- Volunteers are needed to meet weekly with individually or in groups to provide help with practicing English or French.
Mentors- Volunteers will share knowledge pertaining to their occupation or profession, the local labour market and community, and provide opportunities to participate in the process of community building. Mentors are paired with skilled immigrants that share the same or similar professions/skill sets.
All those that are interested in volunteering are asked to include the MCAF Volunteer Registration and resume in the email that can be sent to community@mcaf.nb.ca or dropped off at the MCAF Front Desk at 28 Saunders Street. For more information contact Bonnie Doughty at 452-0651 or at the email mentioned above.