Back in April, the Ontario government provided $30,000 to help the Toronto-based, non-profit group ”Lifeline Syria,” kick start their operation.

The province has now announced it’s giving an additional $300,000 to the group.

 In making the announcement Friday, Health Minister Eric Hoskins says, ”this funding will help you spread your urgent message.  It’ll help you strengthen your organization, recruiting, training and supporting the sponsor of refugees.  And it’ll help to hire … much needed case workers to support these refugees when they arrive.”

He’s also calling on the federal government to pledge to bring 5,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by year’s end, saying the public’s shown the will to act and Ottawa must heed the call.

Elsewhere, Manitoba is increasing funding for churches and other organizations that help refugees by $40,000.

Nova Scotia is donating $50,000 to the UN relief effort.