Reflecting on 10 years of Refugee 613

Ten years ago today, Refugee 613 officially launched at a public forum on refugee welcome in Ottawa. Our model was unique and simple: a communications-focused project to knit together the efforts of many different people and organizations across Ottawa who were already supporting refugees and those who wanted to get started. It was based on the powerful idea that our community is stronger when we welcome refugees side by side, when information flows to those who need it, and when we tell our stories to inspire collective action.

Ten years later, we have walked through so many chapters of welcome together. The outpouring of public support for Syrians in 2015–2016 was just the beginning. Since then, Refugee 613 has supported Ottawa to mobilize for refugees arriving from all over the world, displaced from their homes by political persecution, civil war or invasion. Some have arrived quietly as individuals or families from countries such as Venezuela, Turkey or Eritrea, and others as part of large cohorts that have captured the headlines – including Afghans in 2021, Ukrainians in 2022 and arrivals from across East Africa in more recent years. 

All along the way, Refugee 613’s role has been to help weave the threads together. We bring service providers, community groups, volunteers, newcomers, faith groups and government officials to the same table to share their expertise, plan, problem-solve, advocate and celebrate. We speak up in the media and in policy conversations, amplifying the voices of the many who believe that providing safety and support to those who need it is fundamental to our values as Canadians. We also share what we’ve learned locally to support newcomers across the country looking for better information in languages they speak and on platforms they prefer. 

Ten years on from where we started, the world has changed. There are more displaced people across the globe than ever before and there are fewer safe havens. Here in Canada, our longstanding commitment to innovative, compassionate refugee policy is under threat from those who would prefer we turn inward and close our doors. But we and our many allies are proud to be a country that welcomes newcomers, knowing that we are better together.

None of our success has been about the team at Refugee 613 alone — it has always been about the partnerships, friendships, and networks that make welcome a reality on the ground. The work and impact of Refugee 613 has been shaped by the countless stories of welcome, kindness, connection and courage lived by so many of you. 

That's why today, on our 10th birthday, we’re asking our community to share their stories, photos, art, videos or reflections of refugee welcome. 

However big or small your experience, your story can inspire others, so we want to hear it! 

Perhaps you are…

• A new arrival who found safety and support in Ottawa

• An ordinary resident who gathered your friends to sponsor a refugee 

• A volunteer who has helped a local organization supporting refugees

• A service provider who has seen the power of collaboration 

• A local community or religious leader or elected official who made refugee welcome a priority  

Share your story of welcome with our easy-to-use-form that asks a few simple questions and provides instructions for sharing any photos or other files. We’ve also provided options to share your story via email or WhatsApp. We are asking that submissions reflect stories of welcome that took place in the Ottawa area within the last 10 years (2015 - 2025). 

Click here to submit your story: https://r613.info/46uLn0e
Submission Deadline: Nov. 1, 2025

In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing some of the stories we’ve received to show just how much our city cares, with the aim of inspiring many more years of refugee welcome. 

Here’s to 10 years of working and welcoming together, and to all the stories of welcome and resilience still to come.

With gratitude, 

Louisa Taylor, Refugee 613 Executive Director