2008 Fundraising Projects In Langley we have 37 families, comprised of approximately 80 adults and 100 children. Many will continue to face challenges in Canada and will have difficulty making ends meet each month. While younger people are able to learn English and find jobs more easily, there are many older people that will never master the language or be in good enough physical condition to find employment and support themselves. With this in mind, the Karen Initiative hopes to work with churches and community groups to help the Karen in their Canadian life. The Karen Initiative is made up entirely of volunteers and operates on the generosity of Canadians. Below is a list of our current projects and fundraising priorities. With the help of supporters, the Karen Initiative has already purchased vacuums for every family, allowing them to keep a clean and sanitary living area. In the future, we would like to assist these families by providing gift certificates for groceries and helping them meet other needs that arise. In 2008 we hope to raise $270 per family, for a total of $10,000.
The Karen have never had proper dental care, a problem which is compounded by years of malnourishment. As a result, many will require hundreds or even thousands of dollars of dental work. Funding provided under their health care plan is limited and will cover only emergency tooth extractions. For this reason we are raising funds to ensure that the Karen get the treatment they need to alleviate pain and provide the restoration work that is needed in many cases. In 2008 we hope to raise a minimum of $10,000 to help cover dental costs.
Last year funds were donated to provide each family with an English/Karen dictionary. These dictionaries are very helpful to the Karen and as more families arrive funds will again be needed to print more. In the future we would also like to provide Karen to English dictionaries for each family. Funds needed: $500-$1000.
Funds have been donated to make several looms and purchase weaving supplies. This has provided Karen women with an opportunity to carry on an important cultural tradition. Generous donations in 2007 made it possible to make 30 looms for women in both Surrey and Langley. The supplies to make one loom costs approximately $100, while enough thread to make one bag may cost $10-$15.
One of the greatest tragedies of being a refugee is that families are torn apart. Every family in Langley has an immediate relative like a parent or sibling that has been left behind in the camps and may never have the opportunity to come to Canada. For that reason we are asking churches to consider privately sponsoring Karen families. Churches would need to raise sufficient funds to support a family for one year and provide settlement assistance. There is also a joint-sponsorship program that would allow a qualifying church to provide settlement assistance while the government provides financial support. Please contact us for more information about this.
Our general budget covers necessary expenses that come up that are not related to our projects. For example, several families have required ongoing health care appointments in Vancouver. While volunteers donate their time, transportation and parking expenses can be costly. This budget also covers other necessary expenses that may arise unexpectedly and the Karen Initiative directors will allocate funds as needed. In 2008 we hope to raise approximately $2,500 for our general budget.
The Karen Initiative is registered in BC as a non-profit society and is made up entirely of volunteers. With this in mind, we greatly value monetary donations that allow us to fill some of the newcomers' greatest needs as they arise. All donations go directly towards helping the Karen newcomers in the Lower Mainland. Please contact us for more information about how you can help out in this very important way!
Tax-deductible donations can be made out to St. Joseph's Church with a note that the funds are for the Karen Initiative. Churches, groups, and others that do not require a tax-receipt can make cheques directly payable to The Karen Initiative. Please mail all donations to:
The Karen Initiative
21840-44 A Ave
Langley, BC
V3A 9J3
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