The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) celebrated the third anniversary of the Aaron Gordon Settlement Centre by hosting a fund raising buffet on Tuesday May 8, 2007, at the Periklis Restaurant located on 531 Yates Street.

The Settlement Program is named after Aaron Gordon, a Victoria lawyer and advocate for immigrant and refugee rights, who spent the last 14 years of his life working tirelessly to assist Victoria's new immigrants and refugees. He contributed by providing legal advice, energy and time to the agency - making a difference in the lives of new Canadians.

Aaron Gordon successfully fought many difficult cases of refugees facing almost certain death, if returned to their native countries.&nsp &nsp Aaron's help for Patricia …, a refugee from Central America, is but one instance where his efforts were lifesaving.&nsp &nspWhile many of her family members were executed in her country, Patricia now lives safely in Victoria with her family, thanks to Aaron's dedication. "Aaron saved our lives", said Patricia. VIRCS and the immigrant community will always remember the tireless contribution that Aaron gave to this community.

To commemorate the third anniversary of Aaron's death and his impact on the local community, VIRCS invited Victoria residents to this fund raising dinner. VIRCS is facing significant challenges in keeping these settlement services available, given government cutbacks in the last few years.

Through the Aaron Gordon Settlement Program, VIRCS provides general settlement assistance to immigrants and refugees with counseling, orientation, referral, transition, and interpretation services. The Aaron Gordon Settlement Centre served 1,600 clients in 2006, 1,500 in 2005 and 1,250 in 2004. Increased promotion overseas by Immigration Canada has seen this number rises every year. Only four staff, two part-time and two full-time serve these 1,500 clients with housing; education; health care; immigration and citizenship procedures; some basic legal issues; day care; transportation and travel; finance and benefits services available in Victoria.



Please visit this page to see the photos from the party or click on any of the photos.