I want to support MCC Toronto’s LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs
MCC Toronto's LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs - Empowering Lives | Sparking Hope
As identifying as LGBTQ+ is still a criminal offence in 70 countries—and punishable by death in eight—the plight of people who are unable to be their authentic selves, and to freely love who they love, remains a significant human rights crisis. Whether from Afghanistan, Nigeria or Turkey, many of these LGBTQ+ individuals face daily danger, threats of violence or arrest, and state sanctioned persecution. Choosing to leave your home, family and country is one of the hardest, cruelest decisions one can be forced to make—but for many it is a life or death necessity.
Established in 2007 as our signature human rights program, MCC Toronto’s LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs provides life changing—and in many cases—life-saving work to LGBTQ+ refugees here in Canada and around the world.
Through our work with LGBTQ+ refugees in Canada, we provide vital one-on-one and peer support to help them find a community to call their own and the resources needed to prepare for their Refugee Board hearings. In partnership with other local and national refugee-serving organizations, MCC Toronto advocates tirelessly on behalf of the participants we serve and in furtherance of the needs of LGBTQ+ refugees world-wide. As the exclusive Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) for LGBTQ+ refugees to Canada, we work with sponsorship teams to help bring LGBTQ+ refugees safely to Canada.
Our work was highlighted in a recent CBC Radio Tapestry broadcast. You can listen to stories on the impact of our work here.
We are proud of the work we do in support of LGBTQ+ refugees, but we need your help.
MCC Toronto receives no government funding and is entirely dependent on the generosity of our congregants and community members who share our commitment to offer hope, support and opportunity to those in need.
Please consider making a one-time gift in support of our programs or consider joining our family of monthly donors. Your support will help MCC Toronto continue to grow supports to LGBTQ+ refugees and to respond to increasing need.
Support Our LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs
MCC Toronto is grateful to acknowledge the following Foundations for their continuing support of our LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs:
The Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation
Tippet Foundation
Questions about supporting our LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs? Contact giving@mcctoronto.com.
MCC Toronto is the exclusive Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) for LGBTQ+ refugees to Canada. If you would like to directly sponsor an LGBTQ+ refugee to safety in Canada, we can help.
The process of bringing a refugee to Canada is incredibly rewarding but we know it can also be daunting. We will guide you through every step, from forming a sponsorship team, filling out the necessary paperwork, fundraising and resettlement.
What is sponsorship?
The Government of Canada allows organizations and groups of individuals to directly facilitate the resettlement of refugees outside of Canada to Canada.
What is required of a sponsorship team?
- Gathering at least a team of five people to support and share the responsibilities.
- Fundraise funds to support the refugee for their first year in Canada.
- Help and support the refugee’s integration into Canadian life for the first year after their arrival.
How do I find out more?
If you know you would like to sponsor an LGBTQ+ refugee, please fill out this form .
If you have questions, please contact us at refugeesettlement@mcctoronto.com.
Can I contribute to a sponsorship team?
Yes! You can donate by following any of the links below. Tax receipts can be provided upon request.