News release

Preparations to Welcome Incoming Refugees Continue

Immigration (Jan. 2005 - Feb. 2021)

NOTE: A list of required items and drop-off centre hours follows this release.


Preparation for the arrival of Syrian refugees in Nova Scotia continues with the opening of a drop-off centre for donations in Halifax.

The centre is the latest step in preparations to settle refugees in Nova Scotia. The province’s response is led by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration with settlement partners, community groups and other government departments.

The Government of Nova Scotia has offered to resettle up to 1,500 refugees. Planning is happening with partners across the province to ensure communities are well-positioned to participate in the federal government's plan.

"The generosity of Nova Scotians has been amazing," said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. "Nova Scotians are giving whatever they can, from a five dollar bill in a card to the premier’s office to the generous donation of a building from Armco Capital and Rank Inc. This willingness to help others is what makes me proud to be Nova Scotian."

Donors who called 211 in the Halifax area will receive a voice mail or email directing them to drop off their donations, if they are required, at the drop-off centre. The centre will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, in Bayers Lake Business Park at the former RONA store, 350 Horseshoe Lake Drive.

"As co-owners of this building, Armco and Rank are grateful to be able to provide any help we can to the families that are coming to Nova Scotia so that they can begin building their lives in Canada," said George Armoyan Jr.

For donors outside Halifax, their offers have been shared with refugee-response groups in their area and, if required, they will be contacted by those groups.

Since Nov. 17, 211 has received 2,123 calls, emails and voice messages offering assistance, an average of 100 contacts per day.

Organizers of the Syrian refugee initiative have narrowed their list of needed items. It includes: winter outerwear and footwear, warm sweaters and socks, children's clothing, new backpacks with school supplies, toys and baby gear, and specific types of furniture and household items.

The Refugee Donations Drop-Off Centre will not be accepting financial donations. There is a list of charities that support refugee efforts in Nova Scotia on the 211 website www.ns.211.ca/emergency or Nova Scotians are asked to support local initiatives in their area.

A list of needed donation items and hours of operation for the drop-off centre is available at: novascotia.ca/refugeeresponse/ .

The drop-off centre will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Saturday, Dec. 12, until Tuesday, Dec. 22, when it will close for Christmas. It reopens Tuesday, Dec. 29.


The drop-off facility for donations for the Syrian Refugee Initiative is located at 350 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayers Lake Business Park in Halifax (the former RONA store).

Hours of operation are:

  • Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

(CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS)

  • Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The following is a list of needed donations and a list of donations which will NOT be accepted at the drop-off facility.

Donations accepted (clean and in good condition only please):

  • winter outerwear and footwear (children and adults)
  • warm sweaters and socks (children and adults)
  • children's clothing (all sizes)
  • new Toiletries - feminine hygiene products, shampoo, soap, deodorants, toothbrush/paste, combs, razors, shaving cream, body lotion
  • baby gear and supplies such as strollers, cribs, playpens (new or in excellent working condition), diapers - all sizes including for older children, baby wipes
  • toys, arts and crafts
  • new backpacks with school supplies
  • gift cards for groceries and household goods
  • furniture - bed frames, kitchen tables, chairs, coffee tables, etc.
  • household items - kitchenware, lamps, curtains/blinds, towels, etc.

Donations NOT accepted:

  • used Mattresses
  • food
  • electronics, TVs etc.
  • clothing (other than as above)
  • books
  • large appliances and furniture (fridges, stoves, couches)