Mision
Our Organization envisions a world where every individual,
regardless of their circumstances, has access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Vision
Our mission is to empower refugees and displaced individuals by providing
them with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead fulfilling lives.
Values
Our organization is committed to promoting equity, inclusivity
& social justice, while fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and resilience.
Achievements
So Far
Fundraising for Operation #NotForgotten began in August 2019, initiated by Laurie Cooper of Canada Caring Society, and the first applications were lodged in December 2019. As at December 2022:
- Operation #NotForgotten has raised AU$5.3 million, of which AU$4.85 million has been raised in Australia through the Refugee Council of Australia.
- With the funds raised, MOSAIC has active sponsorship applications for 170 refugees and 139 separated family members – 309 resettlement spots.
- Of these, the first 23 sponsored refugees have already been resettled to Canada and have begun new lives there.
- MOSAIC and Ads-Up Canada have teams of volunteers in five provinces across Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba) ready to receive the refugees as they arrive.
- Dozens more refugees are expected to arrive in Canada throughout 2023 and the process of family reunion is expected to begin very soon. Once refugees are resettled, they have 12 months to apply for visas for the spouses and children included in their sponsorship applications. The arrival of family members will end 10 years of separation for the refugees sent to Nauru and Manus Island in 2013.
We need Your
Help!
As at December 2022, just under 1,300 people remain in Australia’s offshore processing arrangements – 75 in Nauru, 92 in Papua New Guinea and around 1,130 medically evacuated to Australia. Those evacuated to Australia remain in community detention or are living on Final Departure Bridging Visas, with no access to a financial safety net. The Australian Government policy (supported by both the recently elected Labor government and the Liberal-National opposition) is that refugees from this group will not be allowed to settle permanently in Australia.
The case for supporting Operation #BridgeofHope is explained in two short videos:
- Myo Win, a Rohingya refugee who spent eight years on Nauru, explains what it means to him to be sponsored to Canada and how much he is looking forward to being reunited with his wife and children who are currently in very difficult circumstances in Asia.
- Bryan Gaensler, the 1999 Young Australian of the Year and now a permanent resident of Canada, shares how his grandmother’s experience as a refugee fleeing Nazi Germany has influenced his decision to become a volunteer with Ads Up Canada. He is part of the team of volunteers welcoming ex Nauru and Manus refugees to Toronto.
I want to help,
what can I do?
The Refugee Council of Australia is receiving tax-deductible donations for Operation #BridgeofHope from people resident in Australia. You can donate via Credit Card here.
Donations over $5,000 can be deposited directly into our bank account. Please email manager@bridgeofhope.org.au so we can identify your payment. Account name: Refugee Council of Australia. BSB: 098 456. Account number: 1234 5678
Please also consider sharing our Operation #BridgeofHope infographic with your friends and networks.
