I would like to take this opportunity to update subscribers to PRSN of some significant events that have taken place with PRSN over the past number of months.
PRSN is a Registered Charity
Perhaps the first and most significant change is that PRSN is now registered charity. As granted by the Charities Directorate of Canada and recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency. Our application was submitted in December 2024 and we received word that we were successful in August of this year. This will allow us to issue tax receipts to donors and for the organization to pursue more opportunities for grants and other funding.
On that note, we are also fast approaching the year-end holiday season, a season of giving. We are sensitive to the economic and financial pressures that people are currently experiencing. But for those who are able and who appreciate and support the role that PRSN plays in the private sponsorship of refugees space, please consider even a small donation to help the Network continue to do its work. We provide services like our Workshops, Lunch & Learns and our website with valuable resource materials. We also work to engage with other organizations and individuals that operate in the private sponsorship space, expanding the voice of sponsors as a critical part of the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program.
Changes on the Board
There have been some notable changes to the Board following our last Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. Darrell Pinto has stepped down as Vice Chair and Board member. Christie MacDonald also stepped down from the Board at the AGM. Earlier in 2025, the Farrukh Hussain, our Secretary-Treasurer, also stepped down. We have been fortunate to have two new additions to the board as well. Raj Shaik has joined the Board and has become our new Secretary-Treasurer. Raj is an accountant and has brought our financial reporting in line with CRA requirement as a charitable organization. We have also been joined by Wendy Peebles on the Board. Wendy is also taking over as chair of the Services Committee, formerly chaired by Darrell.
Advisory Board
PRSN now has an Advisory Council. The Council includes Bayan Khatib (Northpine Foundation), Patrick O’Leary,Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP) and Kareem El-Assal (Canadian Immigration Advisory and Principal of El-Assal Insights). The Honourable John McCallum also participated in the initial meeting of the group before his passing earlier this year.
Website
We have revised our website (refugeesponsornet.ca). The site offers more detailed information about the Network, who we are, what we do, and includes resources that can help sponsors in their work to settle newcomers to Canada. Our most recent Annual Report has been posted on the website as well. And the site also provide updates on what is happening at PRSN.
Volunteer
As you know, PRSN is an all-volunteer organization. We are grateful to the many people who contribute their time and energy to making PRSN work. Our board members also take an active role in the Network’s operations. This includes chairing committees and getting involved in the work they do. We are passionate about the private sponsorship of refugees and feel strongly about Canada’s role in the world offering safehaven to those who have been displaced and are in danger.
As with many not-for-profit and charitable organizations, particularly those that are volunteer run, we are actively seeking the help of new people interested in helping us maintain and enhance the work we do. If you are interested in speaking with us about ways you could help, please reach out to us at info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
William Croson
Chair of the Board