
There are a handful of people in our city that have been telling me that we shouldn’t be helping any refugees.
To those that are still not hearing my response clear enough and to those that continue to put down the plans that the city, private groups and citizens have – to save people’s lives – I’ll state it loud and clear yet again:
OUR CITY WILL HELP.
The most common comment I hear is “you should be helping those within our own city, not people from half-way around the world.” – We aren’t a city of this “OR” that. Guelph is a city where we can do this “AND” that.
I also found a quote last week that sums up this situation perfectly for me:
“We are blaming a refugee crisis for terrorism, when we really should be blaming terrorism for a refugee crisis.”
With news growing over the last two months of several local communities, faith groups and now citizens like Jim Estill sponsoring families to come to our city, I felt it was important to explore a city-wide approach to the settlement of these families that will eventually arrive.
This is why on Dec 7th I will be bringing forward a notice of motion for council to consider (on Dec 14th):
“That the City of Guelph explore ways of working within and outside the City of Guelph on resources, services, programs or placement opportunities for refugees.”
This council already has approved $5100 towards helping to sponsor refugees but it’s time (council willing) we think beyond money and start thinking about how our city will embrace them, provide for them and to help them integrate into one of the best cities in the world. If there’s any city that can do this, it’s Guelph!
There are many pictures of this tragedy that have brought me to my knees. This collection of photos is some of them.
I encourage all Guelphites to step up and support such a noble and life saving/changing cause as this.
Thank you,
Cam
P.S – An Update: I recently discussed this issue with Lloyd Longfield a few days ago as our federal representative. He is working on this file locally too, and understands the value in coordinating our collective efforts to help those arriving here. It’s great to have all levels of government working on this so well.
37 responses to “Refugee Settlement Within #Guelph – Our City Will Help”
[…] in today’s blog post demonstrated his support for welcoming refugees to Guelph. Here is the link to the blog […]
I was proud to live in Guelph before Mayor Guthrie’s announcement that we’ll be helping refugees – now I am even PROUDER! I understand there are significant challenges, and possibly there will be a few snafus along the way, and there is always fear of the unknown; but as a caring and supportive community we are called to help when our fellow human beings are in trouble, and these poor folks are in desperate trouble. Way to go Mayor Cam Guthrie! Way to go Guelph! Count me in!
Peter McCaskell
We must never let fear or hate win, because then we become less and then terror wins. For every person that refuses to help, for every person that tries to spread fear, ten of us must stand up and proclaim that we will not stand idly by while others suffer, that we will help, regardless of the cost, regardless of the “risk”.
I will help. I will not watch while others suffer and do nothing. I will NOT let the haters win.
Will you?
Love it, excellent choice of words.
Guelph is a shining example of a caring community that steps forward to help when there is a need. So many are stepping forward on this humanitarian crisis our challenge is how to not trip over ourselves. Then again if there is a little tripping over ourselves to hold the door open for struggling families to get to Canada after months or years in refugee camps that’s ok too. I will be briefed on the federal efforts this coming week to see how to add this support to our community’s support. Way to go Cam. It will truly take a full community effort and our community is full speed ahead. (As usual)
I am waiting for an organized and detailed plan. Where is it?
It’s coming at a full community meeting in Dec. stay tuned…
Thank you, Mayor Guthrie! I am very proud of the way this City is stepping up and happy to do my part.
Thank you so much for your clear message that Guelph supports refugees. This is not a left/right issue or a choice between helping one group in need vs. another but an international crisis that we have a responsibility to respond to.
Test.
So proud to be a part of this city, thanks Cam!!
Do we know who will be collecting clothing, furniture, etc. for the 50 families that Jim Estill is sponsoring? Is the refugeeguelph link looking for items for these families as well?
Check this out: https://refugeesponsorshipforum.wordpress.com/
Cam please let me know if there is any way I can help co-ordinate the donation process.
You can contact me on Facebook.
Thanks! Try this: https://refugeesponsorshipforum.wordpress.com/
You make me proud. My family will be happy to donate anything needed.
Thanks Kim! https://refugeesponsorshipforum.wordpress.com/
[…] in today’s blog post demonstrated his support for welcoming refugees to Guelph. Here is the link to the blog […]
So happy to hear the City of Guelph leadership is taking this step. Thank you Cam.
Also, there is an ongoing initiative to coordinate the efforts of all the refugee sponsorship groups within Guelph and area. The Refugee Sponsorship Forum (www.refugeesponsorshipforum.wordpress.com), is working with the Local Immigration Partnership, the Muslim Society of Guelph along with some others to spearhead this coordination. To receive updates on what is happening you can subscribe to the Forum website.
Please tell me how we can donate clothing for them. I would like to know when where etc to help in any way. Thanks you very much. Jenny
Thanks Jenny! http://refugeeguelph.com/
I have a brand new ladies winter coat & other women’s clothing. Just need to know where to go.
https://refugeesponsorshipforum.wordpress.com/
Without starting a war, What about our veterans who are living on the streets and in poverty? What are the great citizens of Canada (Guelph) doing for them??????? After they made this country so great and so safe for the rest of ?????????
I’m pretty sure we’re doing the same things for them. Donating boots, food, money, and time.
Our family had thought about moving back to Guelph. Now hearing this news that Guelph is gonna help the refugee crisis and not listen to the people. I am thinking twice on moving to my home town. Sorry to hear this news
Cam Guthrie is listening to the people. Most Canadians (over 60%*, likely over 70%) agree with the effort, and Guelph is one of the largest collections of people on the political left (those most vocal about taking them in). Regardless of political stripes though, there wasn’t a single candidate in the recent federal election that was against taking in refugees; I think that should show how much it was wanted across the political spectrum. The lowest was Harper who wanted over 10000.**
Refugees are not a security threat (you’re tens of thousands of times more likely to be killed in a car accident in Canada***, and if you’re worried about murder specifically hundreds of times more likely to be killed by your own family than a stranger [of any kind, including a terrorist]****; of which statistically there will be 0 in a pool of 25000*****), refugees don’t drain our systems (every piece of research ever says they do the opposite of that******; within a year they are paying more taxes than the average Canadian), and they are nice every-day people*******.
Plus, by taking in refugees we’re saving lives (an important act to most people). In addition, Canada survives economically because of immigrant intake; this country wouldn’t be successful without it. By taking in refugees we aren’t just helping them; we’re helping Canada. Bonus points, taking refugees does direct damage to ISIS/ISIL/Gaesh’s infrastructure********.
* http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-grenier-refugees-sep9-1.3219544
** http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/harper-plans-to-speed-up-refugee-process-in-very-near-future-1.2556609
*** http://rense.com/general77/carcr.htm
**** http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2008/01/19/youre_safer_than_you_think_statistics_expert.html
***** http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/11/can-terrorists-really-infiltrate-the-syrian-refugee-program/416475/
****** http://www.canadianbusiness.com/blogs-and-comment/why-canada-should-welcome-more-syrian-refugees-a-lot-more/
******* http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-syrian-refugees-dream-of-giving-back-to-canada-1.3339402
******** http://www.newsweek.com/undermine-isis-we-should-welcome-syrian-refugees-400229
This is an excellent post, Trevor. The good people of Guelph will overcome the ignorance and fear.
Has anything been set up for donating clothing, toys, personal care items, food, etc that these people will need? I’d like to help.
Amazing! Try http://refugeeguelph.com/
Wow you are so blind maybe you should read the Quran and make sure you understand Islam before you make the decision to support the settlement of refugees which will affect the entire city. I say wow arrogant and sad Mayor Cam Guthrie. I will say it again keep your head in the sand and continue to sell out Canada along with everyone else. If the decision is this and that and not this or that why are they children attending schools in Guelph hungry and people that are homeless. You are the Mayor of Guelph get your priorities straight it should be the tax payers not your hero complex. Pathetic and typical. I hope you are muslim and not an infidel.
I would like to donate some clothes and toys/books that my little one has either outgrown or doesn’t need. Is there a way I can make up Christmas boxes for the children? Please let me know how I can go about doing this. I want to help make this Christmas a nice one, for these kids! Thanks!!
Great stuff! http://refugeeguelph.com/
I’m happy and proud of you for standing up for this cause.
I will help any way I can. I don’t have money, but I can donate clothes, toys, school supplies, etc. I run a daycare and was a teacher if you need volunteers to teach/tutor our new Guelphites.
How kind of you! Here’s a link to help! http://www.refugeeguelph.com
Well said Mayor Cam! We can do it AND now is the time.
Thank you!