Vancouver is hosting the annual five-day (April 24 – 28) TED Conference (which organizers say is “at the heart of TED”), and so we also hosted Pope Francis earlier this week. Speaking on themes of hope, inclusion and tenderness, his TED Talk…
Journey Home Community has been a leader in welcoming refugees to Metro Vancouver over the past decade or so (see here, here and here). Its commitment has again been made clear in a recent letter of concern to the Liberal…
Local ministries are preparing for the next wave of refugees, even as they continue to support those who have already arrived. According to the federal government, some 6,000 more government-supported Syrian refugees will arrive in Canada this fall (of whom…
Easter approaches, and with it much beautiful music. This year, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion must surely be the most eagerly awaited by those who appreciate sacred/classical music. The Vancouver Bach Choir, with help from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, will present…
Churches and other public buildings may be necessary to house refugees in the short-term if Canada is to achieve its goal of bringing 25,000 refugees into the country. Chris Friesen, director of settlement services for Immigrant Services Society of BC…
Local Christians have already demonstrated in numerous ways how much they care about the turmoil in the Middle East and the resulting refugee crisis. Three upcoming events will allow churches and Christians to gain practical insights on how to support…
Journey Home Community is making a real impact in Metro Vancouver, both through its work with refugees and as the host of Ride for Refuge in British Columbia. Refugee work Journey Home began life modestly, but the 10th anniversary party celebrated…
Mayor Gregor Robertson recognized the desire of local citizens to help refugees by calling a public meeting at city hall September 8. He said: “There have been lot of calls to city hall about what people could do to help…
Several churches and ministries in Metro Vancouver are becoming increasingly involved in finding ways to help refugees from the Middle East settle into a normal life in Canada. I explored several of these initiatives as we approach World Refugee Day…
The greatest form of poverty is not illness or destitution, but loneliness. (Mother Teresa) Hardly a month goes by when we don’t hear it said that Vancouver is one of the best cities in the world to live in. However,…