Yesterday Rob Oliphant, and the Hon. Kathleen Wynne, M.P and M.P.P. for Don Valley West, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 250 Syrian refugees living in Don Valley West. The Syrian newcomers joined to celebrate Thanksgiving, meet their neighbours, make new friends, and engage with the local community. The refugees enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal, gave thanks, and discussed life in Toronto with volunteer hosts from across Don Valley West.

“This was an important evening for helping to integrate these incredible people into our community,” said Rob after the event. “Each and every Syrian refugee I have met has brought their generosity, kindness, and ingenuity to this country. It was a humbling experience to celebrate their first Canadian Thanksgiving.”

To date Canada has welcomed over 31,000 Syrian refugees as part of a truly national project that has brought newcomers to communities from coast to coast, both small and large. Canadians have displayed extraordinary passion and generosity in response to the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War building upon our proud and important humanitarian tradition.

Rob reflected on his own experience with refugee resettlement. “Throughout my life I have been involved in resettling refugees and in every experience I have gained more than I have given. I know that Canada and Don Valley West will gain a great deal from these new members of our community,” stated Mr. Oliphant.