Maple News reports that a new non-partisan initiative, Lifeline Afghanistan, has officially launched to support Canada’s efforts to resettle at least 20,000 Afghan refugees. This organization aims to mobilize civic engagement, streamline sponsorship resources, and coordinate efforts to welcome Afghan newcomers to safety and opportunity in Canada.
Canada has a proud history of private refugee sponsorship, most notably through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSRP), which has facilitated the arrival of over 400,000 refugees since its inception in 1978. The new Lifeline Afghanistan campaign follows in the footsteps of past movements like Operation Lifeline in the 1970s for Southeast Asian refugees, and Lifeline Syria in 2015 for displaced Syrians—initiatives that made Canada a global leader in community-driven resettlement.
In response to the humanitarian crisis following the Taliban takeover, Canada pledged to resettle 20,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals. However, political signals during the recent federal election suggest that this figure could increase. Lifeline Afghanistan is poised to help meet or exceed that target by reinforcing civil society’s role in refugee support.
The organization is focused on five strategic priorities: increasing public awareness, centralizing information and services for Afghan support, assisting private citizens with the sponsorship process, promoting refugee job readiness and trauma-informed integration, and encouraging evidence-based solutions for long-term inclusion.
Lifeline Afghanistan also highlights urgent needs on the ground. According to the organization, 3.5 million people are internally displaced within Afghanistan, while another 2.2 million are seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
Through its online platform, Lifeline Afghanistan provides Canadians with practical ways to get involved—whether through donations, sponsorships, or volunteer opportunities. The organization is connecting individuals with Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), NGOs, and community organizations to ensure a coordinated, impactful response.
As Canada continues to navigate global displacement challenges, initiatives like Lifeline Afghanistan reinforce the nation’s commitment to humanitarian values and collaborative refugee resettlement.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on this developing story and Canada’s broader immigration efforts.