Many thanks to all those who joined us to Walk with Refugees for a Stronger Canada on World Refugee Day this year. We had 150 participants – gathering at Grand Parade Square and then walking to the new Halifax Central Library. Halifax Mayor Mike Savage welcomed everyone at Grand Parade and gave rousing words of support. Participants walked down Barrington Street and looped up Morris Street and around Spring Garden Road to the library. At Halifax Central Library we were greeted by the drums of Samba Nova to Paul O’Regan Hall. Our Director of Operations Gerry Mills welcomed the crowd, and Immigration Minister Lena Diab offered words of welcome and support. Roger Davies talked about private refugee sponsorship and encouraged the crowd with his stories and experience. Finally, Misgun Ghebremeskel shared his personal story of the struggle and conflict which forced him to flee his home country of Eritrea, and reminded us why World Refugee Day is so important. Misgun talked about family members he was reunited with in Canada, and also of the loved ones left behind. It was his humbling and thoughtful words that ended our event. Samba Nova and Druk, Nepali dancers, closed the day with music and dancing.
Thank you to all who supported and walked and volunteered and organized the Halifax Walk with Refugees. We hope you’ll join us again next year on June 20 – World Refugee Day.
Please check out our gallery of photos below!
Also you can find media coverage of the event at the following:
- Halifax Walk Marks World Refugee Day – The Chronicle Herald
Maritimers lace up to raise awareness for World Refugee Day – CTV News
