News release

Successful Refugee Donations Drop-off Centre to Close Early

Immigration (Jan. 2005 - Feb. 2021)

Due to the overwhelming generosity of Nova Scotians, the Refugee Donations Drop-off Centre in Halifax will no longer accept donations after Tuesday, Jan. 5.

"Initially we planned to accept donations until the end of January, but the response has been so tremendous that we have more than enough to meet the needs of the incoming refugees," said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. "Refugees and their sponsors will access donated items at the centre over the next few months."

As the need for donations has been met, 211 will no longer log calls or emails that offer support for refugees. As usual, 211 will continue to accept calls to assist Nova Scotians with their human and social needs, including providing information on agencies that accept donations to help those in need.

The centre will open for donations for the last time on Tuesday, Jan. 5, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is located in the Bayers Lake Business Park, in the former RONA store, at 350 Horseshoe Lake Dr.

Donors are asked to consider that the most needed items now are: winter outerwear such as jackets, boots, sweaters, mitts and hats; tables and chairs; baby gear; and personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo.

Any donations that are in excess of the needs of refugees will be shared with groups sponsoring privately sponsored refugees around the province.

"We will also ensure that any donations not required by refugees will be shared with other charitable organizations in our province that support the disadvantaged," said Ms. Diab. "I thank Nova Scotians for their generosity of spirit, the same generosity they show their fellow Nova Scotians."