It was a small but dedicated turnout to a rally in support of new refugee families to the Guelph area on Saturday.
Roughly 30 people braved some miserable weather to take part in the event, organized by by high school student Kate Nixon with support of fellow members of the Artsy Activists, an entirely youth-led group that aims to empower and inspire young people from varying backgrounds.
The rally was a show of support for the newcomers. In addition to speeches there were clothing and cash donations collected that will go to the new families.
"We can be the community with open arms. It is our responsibility and our duty to look out for one another," said Nixon.
"This has been a country that has been built off of immigrants and refugees since the day this country was built," said Nixon.
"Since the beginning of time people have been escaping the harm caused by other people, all throughout history. One of the greatest evils of mankind has been the suffering of refugees. Refugees are fleeing persecution of other humans.
"By being present here today, we are sending a message that those rights matter to us."
There are another 20 new refugee families coming to Guelph in the next few months from places that included Myanmar and Eritrea, so the warm clothing donations will be much needed.
Councillor Phil Allt said a few words on behalf of the city, Sarah Sayed spoke on behalf of the Muslim Society of Guelph and several student activists also spoke.
Sayed said the grey, miserable day was a perfect reminder of what others are going and struggling through.
"This rally was very timely," Sayed said. "Everyone was really big a year and a half ago on 'let's help the refugees' and I think that kind of thing has been waning a little bit.
"But we still have families coming to the city and we still need help and we still need assistance," Sayed said.
She said Guelph has always been welcoming and it's important to keep that up as the new families come to Guelph.
Newcomers, refugees and immigrants bring a lot to the community and the economy, Sayed said.
"Let's be the people who correct those misconceptions," she said of those who feel refugees are a drain on the system.
"We're breaking down walls and we're breaking down barriers in our welcoming community."
Allt said Saturday's efforts epitomize what it is that makes Guelph such a supportive, caring community.
"Refugees that will come soon, those most recently from Syria and others in history as well ... are all welcome here in Guelph," Allt said.
"Guelph residents will assist them, that is what caring community does in the darkest of times," Allt said.
