Real people. Real outcomes. Real community.

Group of people outdoors, some wearing white shirts with 'ROAR' logo, standing on grass with trees in the background, smiling and posing for the photo.

Since 2016, ROAR volunteers in Nanaimo have worked to make Vancouver Island a safe haven for LGBTQI+ refugees fleeing persecution.

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“Before ROAR, life in the refugee camp was unbearable, sleeping outside, living in fear, feeling unseen, and abandoned by those I loved. Even when I sought help, no one seemed to notice. Being sponsored gave me the strength to start again, Through ROAR, hope found its way back into my life. Today I build homes in our city.”  

- ROAR Sponsored Newcomer

9

LGBTQI+ refugees brought to safety

4

Waiting to come to Nanaimo

426

Members of our community newsletter

2

Currently in their first year in Nanaimo

12

Sponsorship groups active since 2016

“Five years ago, I was trapped in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya facing daily abuse and persecution with no future. ROAR’s sponsorship enabled my integration. Now I contribute as a Healthcare professional serving British Columbians. ROAR is playing a big humanitarian role in saving lives.”  

- ROAR Sponsored Newcomer
Financial Transparency

ROAR is a registered Canadian charity and a lean, volunteer-run organization. We keep administration costs low so that the maximum portion of every donation goes directly to refugee support.

All donations to ROAR go toward refugee settlement costs: housing, food, language classes, transportation, and the other essentials that help newcomers find their footing and move toward financial independence. All gifts are tax-deductible and donors receive an official tax receipt.

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Making a difference. One person at a time

Featured
Why this work matters
Why this work matters

For most of the last twenty years, the global picture for LGBTQI+ people improved, slowly and unevenly. Countries decriminalized. Marriage rights spread. In many places, the law bent towards dignity.

Lately, that arc has stopped bending the way it is supposed to.

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Original Art, Created with Hope and Love
Original Art, Created with Hope and Love

This year's Picnic en Blanc will feature something special: a set of four original postcards created by an artist whose sponsorship application is currently being processed by one of ROAR's sponsorship groups.

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ROAR Is Now a Registered Canadian Charity
ROAR Is Now a Registered Canadian Charity

After nearly two years as an incorporated BC society, Reaching Out Assisting Refugees has reached a milestone we have been working toward since our earliest days: ROAR is now a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency.

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Learn more about ROAR’s work in our Stories of Impact section

There is a place for you in this work.

Five people standing in front of a white garage door, holding a large check made out to ROAR for ten thousand nine hundred dollars, dated March 2022, with the description '100 Women Who Care Mid-Island.'

Donate

Your donation helps cover housing, food, clothing, start-up costs, and everyday essentials for an LGBTQI+ refugee in their first year in Canada.

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Group of people dressed in white costumes with creative and playful accessories, posing outdoors near trees, celebrating a special occasion.

Sponsor

Join or start a sponsorship group and commit to supporting one person's new life in Nanaimo for one year.

Sponsor
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Become a member, sign up for our monthly email, and/or follow us on social media to stay close to the work.

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