Reaching Out Assisting Refugees

Horst Backé, current President of ROAR, was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal on March 3, 2025. This award is a consequence of a broad and generous community effort to resettle persecuted LGBTQ+ refugees to safety in Nanaimo.  

Each refugee requires the support of sponsorship group members. Each sponsorship costs close to $35,000. ROAR groups are all voluntary.  

Fifty-five volunteers have participated in 11 former and current sponsorship groups. They make a significant commitment of time and effort. Hundreds of supporters have donated money, time, participated in events, donated furniture, auction items, or household supplies.  

Seven refugees have been successful in achieving safer starts and happier, authentic lives here. All of these newcomers have been resilient, adaptable, ambitious, and are contributing back positively to Nanaimo and Canada. Others are in progress awaiting arrival. More refugees are also awaiting resettlement!  

We appreciate supportive businesses for giving these newcomers employment and for donating to our events. We are grateful to Vancouver Island University and Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society for providing them with meaningful educational opportunities.  

Thank you also to Brechin United Church members, Rotary Clubs, Foundation of Hope, 100 Women Who Care Central Island, and many individuals for their financial support.  

Without our sponsorship agreement holders: United Church of Canada, Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria and MOSAIC (via Rainbow Railroad), none of this would be possible.