Make a Donation, Support Refugees 

We collaborate with refugee-led businesses, authors, and artists to bring you a unique experience in our donation store.

Here’s how it works:

  • Chose the category you want (Friend, etc…)

  • Chose the person/business you want to contribute to and receive a gift from

  • When you make the minimum contribution of $100 or more, you will receive the gift from your chosen category”.

By donating to JRT, you make a real and lasting impact on the lives of refugees who are integrating into the social and economic fabric of Canada. A portion of your donation will go to JRT to carry out employment programs for refugees, and the other portion goes to supporting the refugee artist, author, or business of your choice. 

Choose your donation range.

FRIEND ($100 minumum donation)

ADVOCATE ($500 minumum donation)

SUPPORTER ($1,500 minumum donation)

PARTNER ($5,000 donation and up)

Hamad Alhenawi (Artist)

Based in Montréal, QC, Canada

A Syrian plastic artist, living in Canada. He studied fine arts at Damascus University, where he obtained a postgraduate degree.
He created his own world which is closer to abstraction influenced by the infinitesimal shapes we see in the microscope or the gigantic shapes in the infinite universe to prove that life forms, no matter how different, are one.
His subjects varied between portraiture, landscape, and abstraction.

Arabique

Based in Ottawa, ON.

Arabique is a Syrian refugee-led business that targets the integration of Arabic calligraphy with the western designs. The business sheds the light on the importance of identity representation in the western society through the inclusion of cultural art in the clothing industry. With the support of Syrian designers, Arabique was able to introduce a few trendy designs that were sold across Canada, USA, and Europe. The current vision of the business is to build a sold base in North America and then to export the designs to the rest of the world

Epimonia

Based in Minneapolis, MN, USA

Epimonía is a refugee-founded fashion label with a central mission of supporting refugees. We upcycle material from life jackets that were worn by refugees on the Mediterranean Sea and discarded upon arrival in Greece. All of our products not only serve as a symbolic gesture of support and solidarity for refugees around the world, but we have multiple campaigns and partnerships that have tangible impacts on the lives of refugees.

Aleppo Savon

Based in Calgary, Alberta

Abdulfatah Sabouni is a fourth-generation soap maker. Making soap has been his family business for more than 125 years. Even his last name, Sabouni, means soap maker.

The centuries-old tradition of Aleppo soap making — which uses no chemicals or other additives —involves secret family recipes handed down for generations. In the 11th century, the Crusaders brought Aleppo soap back to Europe, starting a centuries-long love affair with the olive-oil and laurel oil-based soap said to be intensely moisturizing. Aleppo soap is thought to be one of the world’s oldest types of soap, and said to have been the inspiration for the equally famous Marseille soap of France

Sitti

Based in Toronto, ON.

Sitti (Si-tee), meaning “My Grandmother” in Arabic, is a social enterprise and conscious lifestyle brand committed to the self-reliance of refugee and displaced communities through long-term employment opportunities and skill development training, empowered by an inclusive global economy.

Mawlana

Based in Vancouver, BC

Named after the renowned Sufi poet MAWLANA Rumi, we specialize in designing artisanal rarities that holds the spirit of love, tenderness and soulfulness. Using authentic designs and original takes on scarves, shoes and other select accessories. MAWLANA Cashmere & Silk thrives to showcase & support the amazing work and resilience of independent artisans across the world and mainly in the middle east. Working directly with the artists to make sure every item crafted holds & reflects the beauty of handcraft.

Tahmina Saleem (Photographer)

Based in Toronto, ON.

Born in Kabul, Tahmina Saleem holds a BA in Graphics and an MA in Visual Arts from Kabul University. 

Tahmina worked as a Lecturer and an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Kabul University and as a Freelance Documentary Photographer, with special focus on Afghan women. She is an alumna of Sahar Speaks program and a former member of Afghanistan Photographers Association and Advocacy for Youth Network.

Tahmina participated in several exhibitions, such as “Violence Elimination against Women” and “Women Empowerment” in Afghanistan. Her photo stories were exhibited in Iran, Canada, Italy, China and the United States. In 2015, her photo won a special prize in a contest which was held by Paiwandgah in Afghan Impassion Organization. So far, her works are published in websites like, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, News Deeply, Photo Journal, and Yoga Journal. Moreover, she served as a panel of jury at the UNDP photo contest on SDGs. Tahmina also served as a member of the afghan national chess team.

Njamba Koffi (Author)

Based in Vancouver, BC.

Njamba (John Michal) Koffi, a young refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an award-winning community leader, author, a poet, a musician and a public speaker. He is currently completing an undergraduate degree in International Relations and Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus, in Canada. 

Gabriel Ndayishimiye

Based in Toronto, ON.

Gabriel Ndayishimiye is a writer based in London, Ontario. His writing focuses on refugee stories and representations of exile experiences. He critiques the neo-colonial and racialized knowledge structures on which the international refugee system is based. Gabriel is also the Founder & CEO of LivenBooks. He created LivenBooks to attract the growing number of refugee and immigrant intellectuals who are writing about displaced people and the historical impacts of the colonial experience in so many countries. Many of these writers, like Gabriel, have tried to find traditional and even niche publishers but it’s such a competitive market. Gabriel has made it his mission to create a new and inclusive space for these writers to get their works published.

Soumak Boutique

Based in Vancovure, BC

Soumak Boutique’s handmade goods offer a home to lovers of bohemian styles, beach trips, yoga, wedding gifts, unique designs and unique fashion. They support creators and partner with artisans from different cultures and background.

Backspace

Based in Vancovuer, BC

Backspace is a customized and convenient refillery van service that brings all-natural, plastic-free household and personal care products to your doorstep. An eco-friendly solution that makes making a difference easy for you.

Elegant Art

Based in Toronto, ON.

Sedra and Shahd Alshamaly, founders of Elegant Art, are two young sisters from Syria. They have turned a tremendously challenging and appalling journey into an inspiration, driven in the force of motivation that is itself an endeavor, ensuring others’ experiences wouldn’t be a duplicate. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t want an item in exchange for my donation?

We prefer you select an item in an effort to support refugee craftsmen. However, if you would rather 100% of your donation go to Jumpstart, you can go to our Donation Page.

How long does shipping take?

The shipping time is typically 5-10 business days. However it depends on which gift you have chosen.