Reaching Out Assisting Refugees is a volunteer organization of LGBTQ people and allies who live on Vancouver Island. We are a diverse group of professionals, retired people, students and community members who are part of a larger movement of Canadians dedicated to sponsoring sexual and gender-diverse refugees from around the world who have fled persecution in their home countries.
Like our sister organizations around the country, we want to harness the talent and generosity of our community. ROAR has received support and financial contributions from individuals and organizations in Nanaimo and across British Columbia including Rainbow Refugee, 100 Women Who Care, Foundation of Hope, Rotary Clubs, and various businesses in the Nanaimo area. ROAR collaborates at the national level through its membership in a broad coalition called 'From Borders to Belonging', whose vision is that of a world without barriers, where people of all diverse sexualities, genders, and sex characteristics can live safely and thrive.
ROAR is grateful for the assistance of Brechin United Church, which has partnered with us for many years to facilitate the sponsorship process.
The ROAR board is very active. Since our founding in 2016 we have held awareness-raising events, participated in various Pride events, and organized fundraisers.
ROAR sponsorship groups have brought seven LGBTQ refugees to safety in the Nanaimo region. These newcomers came from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Additional ROAR groups are waiting on the arrival of five other persecuted LGBTQ people anxious to be moved to a safe place.
Our sponsorship groups operate throughout the Nanaimo region, including Gabriola Island.
In October 2023 we became an incorporated society in British Columbia. Our first Annual General Meeting was held on September 7, 2024.
ROAR continues its work assisting sexual and gender diverse people fleeing persecution.
Read our official documents
THANKS TO OUR MAJOR DONORS
