How can you help support refugees? Three simple ways to get involved at U of T

Across the University of Toronto's three campuses, students, faculty and staff are working on ways to support the refugee effort. 

Torontonians have been organizing clothing and food drives, collecting furniture to set up Syrian families, and even organizing a welcoming party at Pearson International Airport to welcome the refugees with open arms, gifts, and winter clothing.

At  U of T, people are coming together to sponsor refugee families, host fundraising events and volunteer.

Over the coming weeks, U of T News will feature more ways you can support the refugee effort. But, in the meantime, here are three simple ways you can start helping to bring refugees to Canada or supporting efforts to welcome and help resettle them once they arrive:

1. Donate to the University of Toronto Scholars-at-Risk program

The goal of the Scholars at Risk program is to set up a new bursary program for students at risk, specifically, students with refugee status in Canada. This $1 million fund will support one hundred bursaries worth $10,000 each. U of T will match all donations valued up to $500,000. 

2. Support the University of Toronto Lifeline Syria Challenge

Lifeline Syria is a Toronto group that seeks to sponsor and settle1,000 Syrian refugees through private sponsorship, says U of T alumna Leen Al Zaibak, a member of the board of Lifeline Syria. U of T is supporting Ryerson Lifeline Syria in partnership with Ryerson, York and OCAD universities and several U of T faculty members, staff, students and friends are working in six teams to pool together their resources and funds to sponsor Syrian families. Visit Lifeline Syria U of T to find out more about the teams and see how you can help.

3.  Attend an information event or fundraising event 

Music group Choir! Choir! Choir! is hosting a fundraiser to raise funds to sponsor a family on Dec. 8 at Lee’s Palace,
529 Bloor St. W.

Trinity College is hosting a community meeting on Dec. 9 at St. Hilda’s College, 44 Devonshire Pl.,where Leen Al Zaibak will speak about the Lifeline Syria challenge, and the Trinity College team will share how the community can help.

U of T’s Lifeline Syria group is hosting an information and volunteer meeting that is open to the general public on Dec. 10 at  Sidney Smith Hall, SS2098.