Helping Welcome Home's Refugees "Get Outta Town"

Giving a refugee living at Welcome Home Refugee Housing Community the opportunity to "Get Outta Town" is a fantastic way to support them as they transition to life in Canada. Sharon Schmidt, Welcome Home's Program Director, explains:

"When a refugee gets to Canada and moves into Welcome Home, their world circulates between the immigration office, the bank, the Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support office, the bus terminal, the ethnic food stores, the food bank, and English school. They walk back and forth, back and forth, through downtown Kitchener. There is a whole world of experiences that they won't get in everyday life at Welcome Home. Our Get Outta Town outings – which we wouldn't be able to offer without the time and energy of volunteers from our partner churches – open their world up to embracing this country and create a space where different ethnic groups can be on a level playing field. Day trips to the beach, to go hiking, to see fireworks, to visit Canadian landmarks like Niagara Falls are one way to try and make a family out of a very diverse group of people."

Many Canadians take holidays or make plans during school vacation. For refugees who don't have money or a vehicle, and don't speak the language or know their way around, these holidays are not a gift. Sharon says they plan and schedule these excursions very intentionally, to fill the otherwise empty days. "We'll be away from the house as much as possible over the summer. These events help them understand they can make a life here, that it's not just sitting in class or visiting government offices. In addition to providing opportunities for healing from the trauma they've experienced, we also get the opportunity to build relationships between the staff, refugees, and volunteers. It's in these relationships that Jesus' love will be demonstrated."

The events themselves are usually either inexpensive or free, but there are always costs associated, like gas for the volunteers' cars or food for a picnic lunch. These events, like everything else at Welcome Home, would not be possible without the yearly golf tournament fundraiser. Sharon says that without the tournament, taking place this year on June 7, Welcome Home wouldn't even exist. "We use it to raise critically needed funding, and to advocate in our community. We have a goal of $10,000 and we would love the community to join us in raising that, even if they can't be here to golf. Last year, we had donors all the way from the east coast and west coast of Canada!"

Please consider golfing or making a donation in support of Welcome Home. For more information or to register for the tournament, visit welcomehome.iteams.ca.