Cindy Gilroy and Syrian Refugee Family

Winnipeg City Councillor: Starting over: One Syrian refugee family story, in their own words "We had people arriving here at 11 a.m. and this really didn't get started until 1 p.m.," Gilroy said. "That goes to show how popular this was and how many people wanted to come out today." Winnipeg City Councillor Cindy Gilroy said she was pleased by the turnout on Saturday, according to CBC. Along with a bouncy castle, jigging, hoop dancing and traditional Arabic dances, 30 information booths provided information about services to refugees ranging from public library access to what to do in case of an emergency. Hundreds of newcomers and volunteers showed up at the Old Exhibition Grounds on Sinclair Street, now home to the North Centennial Community Centre. Police were on hand to explain how 911 works and the city handed out family library cards and recreation passes, Gilroy said. Among the 25,000 Syrian refugees Canada has accepted, 1,000 have settled in Manitoba with just over 800 choosing to live in Winnipeg, according to a Social Planning Council of Winnipeg news release. John McCallum, immigration minister, swarmed with thanks by WPG Syrian refugees #Refugee Welcome Fair @IPWinnipeg @spcw1919 "I'm hoping that we're really connecting with families, getting them the supports that they need," she said. "We're here today to welcome a thousand refugees that have come to Winnipeg to make it their home." Federal Immigration Minister John McCallum and his provincial counterpart Ian Wishart also attended Saturday fair, said Gilroy. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.