Roughly a decade ago, when the war in Syria was displacing millions, many Canadians famously stepped up to privately sponsor refugees, investing much of their own time and money. The program continues today, with hundreds of groups of Canadians sponsoring refugees from Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine and other war zones.
What’s it like to be on the receiving end of a group of well-meaning sponsors? Good and bad, says Danny Ramadan, who came to Canada in 2014 as a queer Syrian refugee. Ramadan has written a surprising, intimate and funny memoir for Maclean’s about being sponsored by an enthusiastic group of gay men in Vancouver.
Ramadan says he often felt disempowered, reliant on his sponsors for rent, transportation and advice on finding a job. He writes: “As grateful as I was for the people raising money for my sponsorship, I often felt small, incapable and worthy of pity.”
He’s settled now in Vancouver where he lives with his husband and dogs, working as a successful writer. His frank memoir for Maclean’s provides unique insights into the refugee experience. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about Canada’s sponsorship program.
–Sarah Fulford, editor-in-chief
