Saying it has a long history of helping those in need, the Victorian Order of Nurses is committing $10,000 to help those seeking asylum in Windsor.
Since June, 618 have arrived in the city. Many crossed the border into Canada after travelling thousands of kilometres on foot through rough terrain. Some have split heels and frost-bitten toes requiring immediate medical treatment.
Unlike refugees, asylum seekers access OHIP or federal government medical allowance. The VON is treating them at its Immigrant Health Clinic.
"We are able to commit these funds thanks to the support of generous local donors. However, this urgent need was unforeseen, and the commitment of $10,000 is a stretch for us given our ongoing financial support of vital VON programs such as Meals on Wheels," said VON Windsor-Essex Board Chair Marusia Preece. "We're asking our community to visit von.ca and make an online donation designated to VON Windsor-Essex to support this urgent humanitarian response."
The money will buy gift cards for hygiene products and medication.
In addition to their physical wounds, the agency said many asylum seekers experienced significant trauma and need counselling. Some are from a victimized population and are escaping dangers.
"Asylum seekers from all corners have come to Canada seeking a better life for themselves and their families," said Nurse Practitioner at VON IHC/Francophone clinic, Inas Abdallah. "We hope that this will, in some small way, make them feel welcome."
A City of Windsor committee intends to write a letter to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada asking it to stem the tide of asylum seekers to the city. The city's capability to care for them has reached its limit.
The committee also wants senior levels of government to appoint a lead agency to lead resettlement efforts.
* With files from Maureen Revait.
