A safe haven starts here
ROAR is a registered Canadian charity and a community of volunteers bringing persecuted LGBTQI+ people to safety on Vancouver Island. Every dollar, every hour, every person who joins us makes it possible.
9
LGBTQI+ refugees brought to safety
4
Waiting to come to Nanaimo
474
Members of our community newsletter
1
Currently in their first year in Nanaimo
12
Sponsorship groups active since 2016
“I left Syria due to the war and lived in Lebanon illegally, working under the table and changing homes constantly. As a gay man, I was helpless and hopeless when I reached out to ROAR. They helped and brought me to Canada, and my life has changed completely. I came with $100 in my pocket, and now I own a place, a car, and work as a manager for two dental clinics. I am thankful for life.”
- ROAR Sponsored NewcomerMaking a difference. One person at a time
Learn more about ROAR’s work in our Stories of Impact section
There is a place for you in this work.
Donate
Your tax-deductible donation helps cover housing, food, language classes, and everyday essentials for an LGBTQI+ refugee in their first year in Canada — giving them the foundation they need to find work and build an independent life.
Sponsor
Join or start a sponsorship group and commit to supporting one person's new life in Nanaimo for one year.
Connect
Become a member, sign up for our monthly email, and/or follow us on social media to stay close to the work.
Supporters
Patricia Anne Lyon Memorial Fund
