Join me to show support for refugees and newcomers on Sunday at 3pm

Last week I shared a video talking about the misinformation being spread about proposed newcomer reception centres in suburban Ottawa.

Sponsoring and supporting refugees and asylum seekers as part of a group called Rainbow Haven has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It hurts my heart to see people in Barrhaven, Kanata and Nepean protesting the potential for refugee reception centres in their communities.

Everyone deserves a chance for a good life. Ottawa has a history of welcoming refugees and newcomers. I hope we can come together to build on that compassionate tradition and fight the racism and disinformation circulating right now.

It is also crucial that we see services, shelter and supports for people experiencing homelessness in every corner of this city, not just downtown. Everyone deserves a safe place to live and every community has a role to play in welcoming people who need our help.

On Sunday, November 17 at 3:00pm, Refugee 613 will be hosting a rally to show support for newcomers in Ottawa. I've shared the event description below and you can confirm your attendance and share the event on Facebook – I hope to see you there.

Talk soon,

Ariel

Ariel with members of Rainbow Haven and some of the newcomers they supported in Ottawa

Join us on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:00 p.m., and show that Ottawa stands with newcomers!

Hundreds of newcomers are currently sleeping in hockey arenas and community centres across Ottawa, as the City’s shelter system struggles to cope. The City of Ottawa has an innovative plan to address this challenge by creating a stronger, more supportive system for welcoming newcomers in our community.

The Newcomer Reception Centres are just the first step in this system. They will provide a landing pad where new arrivals without housing get the information and help they need, as well as a safe place to sleep. It’s a temporary stay, to be designed with community members and provide a good start to their life in Ottawa and support their move into permanent housing.

Ottawa has a proud history of welcoming refugees and other newcomers. Join us to stand in solidarity with our city’s newest residents and show that we still welcome refugees!

More details, including a list of speakers, is coming soon.

This event is family-friendly: everyone is welcome!