International Day of Charity: Supporting Refugees Through the Power of Giving
Every year on September 5th, the world observes the International Day of Charity—a day created to raise awareness and mobilize people, organizations, and communities to help those in need. While charity often brings to mind monetary donations, its true power goes far beyond financial support. Charity is about kindness, compassion, and extending opportunities to others so they can thrive.
For refugees rebuilding their lives in Canada, charity can make the difference between surviving and thriving. At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, we see every day how acts of charity—whether in the form of time, mentorship, employment opportunities, or financial support—transform lives and create pathways to belonging.
Charity That Opens Doors
When refugees arrive in Canada, they bring with them resilience, skills, and dreams for the future. Yet, the journey to employment and integration is filled with barriers: lack of professional networks, limited recognition of foreign credentials, and cultural adjustment challenges.
This is where charity plays a vital role. A donated winter coat can keep a refugee warm through their first Canadian winter. A volunteer mentor’s time can help a refugee professional understand the Canadian job market. A compassionate employer’s decision to hire refugee talent can unlock a career and set the foundation for long-term stability.
These acts may seem small, but for someone starting over, they are life-changing. Charity opens doors to dignity, self-reliance, and hope.
Beyond Donations: Charity as Human Connection
Charity is not only about giving things—it is about building connections. Refugees often arrive after experiences of displacement, loss, and trauma. In these moments, being welcomed by a community that extends kindness is an act of healing in itself.
When a volunteer coach helps a newcomer practice for an interview, that is charity. When community members donate their time to organize career events, that is charity. When neighbors share a meal with a newcomer family, that’s charity. These moments of generosity remind refugee newcomers that they are not alone—that there is a community ready to walk alongside them.
Charity in Action: The Refugee Marketplace
One powerful expression of charity and community support is the Refugee Marketplace. This initiative provides a platform for refugee entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products—ranging from handmade crafts and art to food, clothing, and services.
Supporting the Refugee Marketplace is more than just a purchase; it is an act of solidarity. Every item sold represents a refugee’s skill, creativity, and determination to rebuild life in Canada. Charity in this context becomes a partnership—where the community empowers refugee entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence while celebrating their culture and talent.
By choosing to shop at the Refugee Marketplace, donors, allies, and community members can directly invest in refugee businesses, turning charity into sustainable impact. It is a reminder that generosity can create long-lasting change when it uplifts self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The Impact at Jumpstart
At Jumpstart, charity takes many forms. Employers partner with us to hire refugee talent, opening career pathways that restore dignity and independence. Volunteers share their expertise by coaching, mentoring, or reviewing resumes. Donors support our programs, allowing us to host training, networking events, and storytelling projects that amplify refugee voices.
One example is our mentorship program, where professionals from across Canada dedicate their time to guide refugee newcomers in navigating the job market. The impact of these relationships extends far beyond employment—it builds confidence, reduces isolation, and fosters belonging.
Another example is the role of charitable partnerships in events like World Refugee Day, where community members, organizations, and refugee entrepreneurs come together to celebrate resilience and culture. These initiatives are possible because of the collective generosity of individuals and groups who believe in the power of giving.
A Call to Action
This International Day of Charity, we are reminded that charity is not just about helping—it is about creating opportunities. It is about recognizing the strength and talent within refugees and giving them the tools, connections, and support to shine.
Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
- Mentor a refugee: Share your knowledge and help someone navigate the Canadian job market.
- Partner as an employer: Consider hiring refugee talent and diversifying your workplace.
- Advocate and share: Use your voice to amplify refugee stories and highlight the importance of inclusion.
Every act of charity, big or small, adds up to a stronger, more compassionate community. By giving, we also receive—the joy of connection, the strength of diversity, and the knowledge that we are helping build a future filled with hope.
Closing Thought
Charity is powerful because it recognizes our shared humanity. For refugees who arrive in Canada with courage and determination, charity is not just a handout—it’s a hand up. It is the bridge that connects their talent and resilience with the opportunities they deserve.
On this International Day of Charity, let us commit to giving in ways that matter most: through action, through compassion, and through a collective belief that together, we can build a Canada where everyone belongs.
👉 Learn more about how you can support refugee talent at: jumpstartrefugee.ca