The April 18th World Refugee Day Potluck brought together an incredible mix of donors, sponsors, community partners, and refugee newcomers, who shared delicious food from around the world.

Speakers highlighted how the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program strengthens Canada and addressed the juxtaposition of the growing need for refugee resettlement and Canada’s shrinking PSR program allocations and immigration targets. Many attendees took a moment to write letters to Canada’s Prime Minister and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, in support of Canada’s humanitarian commitment to refugee resettlement.

AURA was also delighted to honour Stan Squires — a dearly valued and longstanding AURA Board Member and sponsor — who is concluding his final year on the board. Stan gave a heartwarming speech, highlighting his family’s personal experience of refugee displacement and immigration, and his lifechanging experience participating in refugee resettlement over the past decade, “Throughout the decade I have met hundreds of compassionate Canadians who share the same ideals of caring for our neighbour… I have witnessed many new Canadian families grow into caring Canadians, becoming close friends and giving back to Canada themselves.”

Please enjoy some pictures from the event below!