As a war rages on in Syria, many refugees are on the move, looking for their chance at a better life.
With so many bordering countries shutting their doors, refugees have turned to other countries for help.
Canada is doing more than just offering help. The newly elected Liberal government has pledged to take in 25,000 refugees by the end of February.
And early this morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premiere Kathleen Wynn were at Toronto’s Pearson Airport to welcome a group of more than 160 Syrian refugees who had arrived on a government aircraft.
Trudeau and Wynn not only handed out warm winter jackets to help Canada’s newest residents prepare for their first Canadian winter, but they gave out social insurance numbers and health cards after a security and health screening at a special airport terminal that had been renovated for their arrival.
Trudeau even took the time to greet every migrant and welcome them individually.
“You are home,” Trudeau said. “Welcome home.”
Trudeau is very proud that Canada is able to play such a huge role in providing a better life for migrants.
“This is something that we are able to do in this country because we define a Canadian not by a skin colour or a language or a religion or a background, but by a shared set of values, aspirations, hopes and dreams that not just Canadians but people around the world share,” Trudeau told CP24.
Canadian residents have also generously offered support to refugees. One mother and daughter from Scarborough have agreed to host 43 refugee families over the next year.
Sarah Youssef and her daughter Christine have raised over $250,000 to prepare for their newcomers, which will include five of her cousins, CBC reports.
The selfless pair raised the money with their credit cards, a loan, and by taking out a second mortgage on their bungalow home.
Other Canadians have shown their support by raising money and by donating toys, winter clothing, furniture and kitchen supplies. If you haven’t been able to offer any support, you can still have an impact in other ways.
This is Canada’s chance to show refugees what makes Canada so great. Offer a smile, or say hello, a small gesture can go along way.
Watch this World Vision Canada video of Canadian children welcoming our new guests to get inspired:
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