A collection of video and photo stories
for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR)
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From Far and Wide
Video collaboration with Leyland Cecco, Words by Leyland Cecco
From Far and Wide is a series of photo and video stories profiling the Canadians who have welcomed Syrian refugees with compassion and support.
Across the country, strangers, friends, families and communities are creating powerful bonds of friendship that transcend language and culture, at a time when they are needed most.
From a tight-knit group in the Yukon who took in a family of 11, to the Syrian seamstress who became a part of the community fabric, join us as UNHCR meets just some of them.
Common Ground
Christian community welcomes Syrian family to Canada.
A Hutterite community in Manitoba finds common ground and strong friendship with the Syrian refugee family they helped to resettle.
Community Fabric
Syrian seamstress becomes a part of community fabric with the help of sponsors.
Rabiaa Al Soufi’s skills have become a valued part of one tight-knit community in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Taking a Chance
Syrian family find safe harbour on the shores of Canada In the port town of Lunenburg.
Generous locals have come together to welcome a Syrian family with open arms.
Wilderness Welcome
Warmth and kindness in the Canadian wilderness.
The Arafat family were terrified when they fled their home in Syria. Now they are finding new hope and happiness in a Canadian mountain community.
Closing the Circle
Refugee given second chance in Canada helps Syrian family to safety.
Given the opportunity to start over in Toronto, Thuy Nguyen pledged to return the favour one day. Now, she is helping the Nouman family from Syria begin a new life.
Hearing Music Once More
Syrian violinist helps Canadian community hear his song.
Sari Alesh’s promising music career was cut short by war. With the help of sponsors, the violinist can now play once more.
Smiles at the Door
How a Canadian community helped to heal the wounds of war
Ripped from home in Syria,
Husam and Noura feared for their family and future. But one Canadian community has helped them to dream again.
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Then And Now
Words by Leyland Cecco
Then and Now is a series of stories profiling refugees who have journeyed to Canada over the years, in search of safety, stability and a chance at a better life.
Starting from 1956, when Canada accepted its first major intake of refugees, the project uses archived images and family photos to tell the stories of refugees from Hungary, Vietnam, Uganda, Somalia, Colombia and beyond.