Refugee families, sponsor groups and churches, support organizations and local residents will gather Saturday, June 18 for a special walk to celebrate World Refugee Day.
The Refugee Hope Walk event, hosted by Mennonite Central Committee British Columbia (MCC BC), aims to commemorate the strength, courage and resilience of refugees around the world.
With Abbotsford accepting more than 160 refugees, mainly from Syria, earlier this year, the annual day has taken on a greater significance.
The walk will celebrate the hospitality of the community and the stories of those who have safely arrived here, while continuing to inspire hope for those still waiting – both the refugees and the sponsors awaiting their arrival.
The event will bring together refugee families, sponsoring groups and churches, organizations working with refugees across the Lower Mainland, and anyone in the community who holds this group of people close to their hearts.
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly (3145 Gladwin Rd.), and end at the MCC Centre (33933 Gladys Ave.), where participants will build a quilt to symbolize the community of support that has gathered around our new Canadian neighbours.
Participants will hear stories from refugees and sponsors, and words of hope and encouragement from local dignitaries and MCC BC executive director Wayne Bremner.
Register for the walk at www.refugeehopewalk.eventbrite.ca.