{"id":35049,"date":"2026-10-13T13:13:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T18:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rstp.ca\/?p=35049"},"modified":"2026-10-13T14:39:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T19:39:04","slug":"9waystoengagebvorsponsors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rstp.ca\/en\/refugee-sponsorship\/latest-policy-program-update\/9waystoengagebvorsponsors\/","title":{"rendered":"9 ways to help BVOR sponsor groups stay engaged and committed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Are you a member of a sponsorship group or a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) involved in the BVOR program? With the 2026 BVOR refugee sponsorship target met, no new profiles will be available until early 2027. While you wait, you may be wondering how to keep your group engaged and ready to sponsor. We\u2019ve pulled together some ideas to help you keep your momentum going, stay connected as a group, and maintain your commitment to sponsoring a BVOR refugee.<\/p>\n\n

Connect socially<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Think potlucks, coffee chats, board games or trivia nights! Your group will be working closely together for many months after you match with a BVOR refugee. Now\u2019s a great time for people to get to know each other better, build strong relationships and create good memories to draw on in the future.<\/p>\n\n

Fill your group\u2019s coffers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Even if you\u2019ve already raised enough money to cover your sponsorship financial responsibilities, these few months can be an opportunity to raise a bit more to put towards an emergency fund or to top up your housing budget, for example.<\/p>\n\n

Focus on easy fundraising events<\/a> that don\u2019t take a lot of advance planning and can be organized fairly quickly. A holiday bake sale, an online auction, or a 100-square grid fundraiser are all great options.  <\/p>\n\n

Make sure you meet IRCC\u2019s requirements by explaining how you raised your funds and providing documentation to support it. Keep receipts from sales, copies of promotional materials and photos from your fundraising events as evidence.<\/p>\n\n

Prepare, prepare and prepare some more<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Build on the work you\u2019ve already been doing to get your group ready to sponsor. Research local settlement, community and cultural supports, as well as the housing market. Discuss how you will work together. How will your group communicate? How will your group make decisions?<\/p>\n\n

Review who in your group is responsible for which tasks. Are there any gaps that need to be filled? Do you need more people who are available to help on weekdays? Or maybe you need a few extra strong hands to move heavy furniture? Now\u2019s the time to fill those gaps and make sure your group has the people and skills you\u2019ll need when the refugees you sponsor arrive.<\/p>\n\n

Volunteer together<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Channel your group\u2019s altruistic energy and put your teamwork to good use by coming together for a small, short-term volunteer project. This helps you get comfortable working together while contributing to a worthy cause.<\/p>\n\n

With the holidays coming up, many local charities need extra hands and offer group volunteering opportunities, such as stocking shelves at a food bank or serving up meals at a soup kitchen. Contact a charity in your neighbourhood or a volunteer centre<\/a> near you for ideas. <\/p>\n\n

Assess and reflect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Before your group matches with a BVOR refugee and begins preparing for their arrival, now\u2019s a good time to explore key issues and considerations in sponsorship, including managing expectations, power imbalances, bias and prejudice, and cultural adjustment.<\/p>\n\n

Here are some discussion questions you can work through with your group members:<\/p>\n\n