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.
Child refugee grows up to become family doctor in Canada
When Sameena and her Ugandan Asian family needed a place of safety, Canada stepped up. Now a doctor, she cares for families in her adoptive home.
Vietnamese refugee turns flight into art in Canada
Living in a Thai refugee camp in 1980, Trung Pham found solace in the pages of his sketchbook. Today, in Canada, his work records that flight from danger.
Refugee from El Salvador gives back to her adopted homeland
Gladys Zuniga came to Canada to find safety for her children. Three decades later, she is still showing gratitude to the country she now calls home.
The Hungarian entrepreneur who styled a new life in Canada
Fifty years ago, a boy fled Hungary and found sanctuary in Canada. Now he is living his dream by running his own business.
Former Syrian wrestling champion ready for second round
Words by Leyland Cecco
After establishing a successful training programme in a refugee camp, a star wrestler from Syria is now changing lives in Canada.
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Refugees Resilience
Words by Charlie Dunmore
Refugee Resilience is a series of photo and video stories profiling the resilience of refugees at Zaatari refugee camp and in urban cities in Jordan.
Too Young To Be A Bride View Story
Step By Step View Story
Sweet Makes View Story
Wrestling Champion View Story
Origami In Exile View Story
World Refugee Day View Story
Too Young To Be A Bride
After her best friend was married off at age 13, Omaima began campaigning against early marriage among Syrian refugees at Za’atari camp.
Step By Step
After surviving life-threatening spinal injuries in war-torn Syria, Wisam is taking the long road to recovery one step at a time.
Sweet Maker
Candy man offers Syrian refugees a sweet taste of home
At Za’atari camp in Jordan, a third-generation confectioner from Dara’a makes popular sweets by hand.
Wrestling Champion
Syrian wrestling champ inspires young refugee’s dreams.
Young Mohammed was adrift after arriving at Za’atari camp, but an encounter with a Syrian wrestling champion gave him new hope.
Origami in Exile
Origami helps Syrian refugee shape new life in exile
After fleeing Syria’s conflict, Fadi turned to his hobby to help with life in Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp.
World Refugee Day
Solaf loves sports and dreams of
living in America
She and her family fled the war in Syria.
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Syrians in Dire Need
Jordan health cost hikes leave Syrians in dire need
Public health care charges now beyond reach for most Syrian refugees, as UNHCR urges donors to help maintain access to life-saving treatments.
