SWARM-Southwest Area Refugee Mission Society
“To support refugees in Calgary as they become independent, self-sufficient Canadians.”
SWARM supports refugees in our city in many ways.
This work is for everyone. Many people from various Lutheran congregations continue to be involved in this way, there is always work to do, volunteers are always welcome.
Highlights of 2023:
- We continue to assist new Canadian families from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria and many other places to feel supported and embraced in their new city and through these difficult times
- SWARM Furniture Bank - We collect and deliver furniture and household items for new families. We have assisted over 200 families since May 2022. We have a storage facility and work collaboratively with various other agencies to share resources and identify need. Tania Patterson coordinates this work and help is always needed
- We delivered food boxes weekly, collected from leftover and excess at Costco, and now assist with Food Bank trips, Good Food Boxes and food gift certificates
- We collaborated with Computers for Schools to provide computers for ten new students/families
- We provided Christmas hampers and Christmas trees and lights for many new families. These came from various Lutheran churches and single families that volunteered to create Christmas for a newcomer
- We coordinate with other agencies in the city (CCIS, Centre for Newcomers, CIWA, etc) in assisting the many refugee arrivals
- A very important part of our work is personal visits to new families to encourage them and help them know that they are welcome and that there are Canadians who care. They can practice their English, learn about resources and customs, feel connected
- We assist other groups who are interested in sponsorship and have helped various congregations throughout Alberta accept Ukrainian families or sponsor family members from other countries
How Can You Help:
- We always need vehicles and muscles to help deliver furniture and household items - once or twice or regularly - email calgaryswarm@gmail.com or call Tania at 587-225-8783
- Visiting with new families - either in person or virtually - it helps them practice English and feel welcome in our city - email or call Marla at 403-617-6494
Join us! Offer your skills and interests! Assist with transportation, visit a new family, offer furniture and household items.
Our Core Committee meets through Zoom monthly and anyone is welcome anytime! Our congregation has contacts Jaqui Anderson, Garry Mihaichuk, Dorothea Schaab, Nick Perchthaler and Pastor Daranne Harris or call Marla Mulloy 403-617-6494
Please donate to support the work of SWARM:
- Cheques may be written to your local congregation and designated to “Southwest Area Refugee Mission” or “SWARM”
- Cheques may be made directly to “SWARM” and sent to Southwest Area Refugee Mission, 8831 Fairmount Drive SE, Calgary, AB, T2H 0Z4.
- Donations may be made via e-transfer: calgaryswarm@gmail.com