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New Syrian Canadians are people not numbers: Governor General continued from p.1 "In our efforts to create a more just society, the message must be that helping those in need helps us all. It's not a zero-sum equation or an either/or situation. Rather, the more we're able to integrate and support those in need, the more we create prosperity and health across our society," said Johnston. The first 160 refugees arrived in Toronto by military aircraft on Dec. 10. Of the initial wave of Syrians -- 10,000 by year-end -- most will be privately sponsored and settled and cared for by their benefactors. An additional 15,000 refugees are expected to come to Canada by the end of February 2016. Johnston said resettling thousands of displaced Syrians is an opportunity to strengthen communities in Ontario and across the country. "It's also to re-imagine how we care for the marginalized and vulnerable amongst us and reaffirm our cities and towns as smart and caring communities that harmonize equality of opportunity and excellence," said Johnston. The Governor General hosted a forum with community leaders at Rideau Hall in Ottawa earlier this month to discuss Canada's role in resettling a larger number of refugees. It highlighted Canada's diversity, inclusion and volunteerism efforts. At the event, Johnston called the humanitarian effort a "defining moment for our country." "It is a moment to reflect upon our fundamental values as Canadians, to test the depth of Oakville and across Canada." He said the "insights and ideas" provided at Rideau Hall fall into three broad themes ­ coordination, inclusiveness and communication. "The community of Oakville, for example, has specific strengths that can be leveraged to great effect. Focus on using those unique strengths to support the areas where you or nearby communities may be lacking," said Johnston. An Oakville Resettlement Fund was established by the OCF in September to address local resettlement challenges. "What you've achieved here with the Oakville Resettlement Fund, which is one of many across the country, is so impressive. Bravo to everyone involved," said Johnston. "While these funds are being created as a response to the needs of Syrian refugees, they can also be used for future resettlement challenges and to strengthen inclusiveness overall." On Dec. 3, OCF co-hosted a community discussion with Ward 5 Councillor Jeff Knoll at Town Hall to identify areas of need and gaps, and share expertise, resources and opportunities to coordinate services and develop solutions. Local groups will serve as drop-off locations for donations of clothing, food and personal items and the Resettlement Fund is being directed to fill additional needs identified at the Town Hall forum. Contributions to the Oakville Resettlement Fund can be made online at www.theocf.org. see Helping on p.5 3 | Thursday, December 17, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Oakville Chamber of Commerce and Oakville Community Foundation hosted Governor General of Canada David Johnston at the Oakville Conference Centre on Tuesday night. Pictured, Johnston high-fives children in Chorus of Voices from Oakvile's ArtHouse. | photo by Justin Greaves ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) our commitment to diversity, inclusiveness and tolerance and to demonstrate our willingness and ability to help people in desperate need," said Johnston. He quoted Canadian Red Cross president and CEO Conrad Sauvé, who, at the forum, said, "We're dealing with people who are fleeing war. Nobody wants to leave their home. They're leav- ing because they don't have a choice; because they've lost hope." "Conrad has been to the refugee camps and his visit was an important reminder refugees aren't numbers, they're people," said Johnston. "Our job is to focus on (their) needs and to match those needs with an extraordinary outpouring of generosity coming from people in WHAT'S ON INSIDEHALTON.COM · · · · · · · · BE INTERACTIVE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY SITE Local movie listings Submit an event, Comment on a story, Submit a photo, video or article for Local event listings consideration Local news and opinion Used cars in our area Full local business directory Local classified listings Daily deals from WagJag Links to local announcements and apartment rentals RESERVE YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY TODAY OAKVILLE Herb Garbutt Sports Reporter, insidehalton.com MONDAY TO SUNDAY 7AM TO 3PM 146 Lakeshore Rd. W. 905.338.6333 Because your life is on the line. #WeSaveLives Visit YD.com today to enrol in a 4-day express or weekend course. Oakville locations 345 Lakeshore Rd. East, Suite 312 180 Oak Park Blvd., Suite 107 YD.COM | (905) 842-6846