SWARM supports refugees in Calgary in many ways. We are a CRA registered charity, combining the talents and resources of 15 (primarily ELCIC) churches. Volunteers are always welcome and needed.
- Our Furniture Bank has closed. We have assisted over 500 families in the last five years and will pass that baton on to the other agencies that assist in re-homing furniture and household items for newcomers: The Mennonite Central Committee Store, WINNS, The Helping Others Network, ReStore – Habitat for Humanity, Calgary Drop-In Free Good Program.
- We continue to assist new Canadian families settle into life in Calgary, accessing Food Bank or hampers, finding doctors, registering for school, assistance with language learning, rent, employment, etc.
- Refugee sponsorship assistance. SWARM has acted with Sponsorship Agreement Holders for a number of families, often serving as a Constituent Group (CG) or Co-Sponsor. This year we are CG for a sponsorship of an Afghan family of three, initiated by two brothers from Afghanistan. The Danish Lutheran Church has welcomed a Syrian family and is supporting them for the next year through a Government shared sponsorship. We are always aware of other families that are searching for a private sponsor to help them get to a safer place in Canada. Let us know if you wish to sponsor a family.
- Urgent needs.Things happen and SWARM is able to quickly provide life necessities such as food, winter tires, clothing and school supplies, helping someone to prepare for a driver’s exam, paying for emergency dental care, emergency help for rent, and much more. We provide assistance in finding doctors, registering for learning and governmental support programs, etc.
- Specific fund raising campaigns include Single Parent Families, Employment Preparation and Training, Emergency Medical/Dental expenses, Post Secondary Education Grants, Christmas Hampers.
- A very important part of our work is personal visits to new families to encourage them and help them know that they are welcome and that there are Canadians who care. They can practice their English, learn about resources and customs, feel connected.
Our CORE committee meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at Advent Lutheran Church and on Zoom. You are welcome to join us and help to serve and support the newcomer community. Contact us at calgaryswarm@gmail.com for details.
Cheques may be made directly to “SWARM” and sent to Southwest Area Refugee Mission, 8831 Fairmount Drive SE, Calgary, AB, T2H 0Z4.
Donations may be made via e-transfer: calgaryswarm@gmail.com