North Korean refugees have arrived in Canada.
Last week, we made history together – and your support made it possible.
For the first time ever, a country opened its doors to North Korean refugees through private sponsorship. Canada is now one of three countries that accepts North Koreans.
This once-in-a-lifetime moment has been in the making for over a decade.
We watched them step through the arrivals gate at Toronto Pearson Airport. They rushed into the arms of our community sponsor groups, who had been waiting for three hours with welcome signs in hand. Laughter, hugs, and tears filled the air.
An older woman from one of our sponsor groups put her arms around our youngest newcomer as if they had known each other their entire lives.
It felt like welcoming family home.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the incredible commitment of our co-sponsors, who are now supporting the resettlement of these newcomers within the Korean Canadian community. None of this would have been possible without our volunteers, student chapter members, board, and staff, who have tirelessly worked over the years to help support those who have escaped from North Korea and seek to build a new life in Canada.
A special thanks goes out to the Northpine Foundation for their belief in this mission from the start. Their operational funding laid the groundwork for this program and its future.
Our vision is to establish a permanent pathway for North Koreans to resettle in Canada. This vision depends on the successful resettlement of the first group, and we need your support to make it happen. If you’re able, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to help us provide the best possible support for the newly arrived group and advocate for the expansion of this program.
