New Refugee Sponsorship

At their January meeting, parish council voted in favour of co-sponsoring Lunda Kasonga, a refugee from D. R. Congo currently living in Uganda. We are joining with Lunda's aunt, Chantale Kasonga, who has already made all the settlement arrangements, including setting aside enough money for Lunda's first year in Canada. 

Lunda left her home in Rutshuru, in north east Congo, in November 2024. She is currently living in Nakivale Refugee Camp. Since USAID was dismantled the camp has become less safe, so she is exploring moving to the city. She originally hoped to become a nurse, but in the meantime is handy with her fingers so earns a bit of income from hairdressing. 

Chantale has been in Canada since 1995. She lives in Coquitlam and has a two-bedroom apartment where Lunda will join her. When the time comes, we will likely be able to help Chantal and Lunda with the many complexities of life in Metro Vancouver. 

The refugee process can take anywhere from one to four years, so please pray for both of them, that Lunda remains safe and that the sponsorship process goes as quickly as possible. 

Many thanks to Shannon Muir, the chair of the Diocesan Refugee Unit, who approached us with this opportunity.