Refugee ministry meets with Australian High Commission

Staff from the diocesan Refugee Ministry, the Rev. Canon Peter John Hobbs, director of Community Ministries, along with sponsors and people who have come to Canada through the Diocese’s partnership with private sponsors were invited for meetings and a reception at the Australian High Commission in Ottawa in December.

Australia has launched its Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), which is modelled on Canada’s community sponsorship program and aims to support 1,500 refugees over four years.

As a Sponsorship Agreement Holder with the Canadian government, the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa has worked in partnership with parishes and other groups to sponsor and help resettle hundreds of refugees in Canada for more than 40 years. Australian officials wanted to learn more about the Canadian experience. They were also joined by staff from Refugee Hub in Ottawa.

Kelly Funeral Home renews its support

Hesam Farzan, who recently arrived in Canada from Afghanistan, and Ann Hustis, whose group has sponsored many people since 2015.

Staff from Kelly Funeral Homes made a special visit to Ascension House in December to bring a gift to the Diocese. John Laframboise, Kelly’s director of community relations, said that Kelly has been a regular supporter of the Diocese at the Breakfast of Hope and Bishop’s Gala fundraising events but had not yet had the opportunity to donate in 2022.

Sights of the season

A Christmas gift for patients