In anticipation of World Refugee Day 2025, Hope for Refugees International and Uplift Black Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, in partnership with over a dozen community organizations across Ontario—including The 519, Matthew House, Access Alliance, Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA), The Neighbourhood Group (Rainbow Connect), COSTI, Metropolitan Community Church, Black CAP, The Krasman Centre, the Tanzanian Women’s Association in Canada, and the Southern Africa Settlement Support Centre—is proud to host a vibrant and powerful Pre-World Refugee Day Community Celebration on June 18, 2025, at 163 Queen Street East in Toronto.
This annual flagship event, grounded in the spirit of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—is more than a celebration. It is a necessary space of recognition, resistance, and renewal. At a time when global displacement is at historic levels and refugee support systems are strained, we come together as communities to affirm that refugees are not just surviving—they are thriving, leading, and reshaping Canada’s future.
The day’s programming will include:
- A reflection-based wellness and yoga session
- A dynamic Afrobeat dance challenge
- Cultural performances showcasing music, art, and storytelling
- A community art and painting workshop
- A panel session on “From Surviving to Thriving: Refugee Leadership, Belonging, and Community Power”
- Messages of solidarity and support from community leaders and elected officials
- A shared community dinner and networking session
- The prestigious Ubuntu Awards Ceremony
Ubuntu Awards 2025 – Honouring Excellence in Refugee Advocacy
The event will feature the Ubuntu Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who exemplify the spirit of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—by championing refugee dignity, equity, and inclusion.
The Ubuntu Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies the African philosophy of Ubuntu by advancing the dignity, rights, and well-being of African refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers. This year’s recipients represent leadership, courage, and deep community commitment.
Ubuntu Award of Honor and Excellence
- Mayor Olivia Chow – For her exceptional leadership in upholding the dignity and rights of refugees in Toronto, including reversing exclusionary shelter policies and proclaiming Refugee Rights Awareness Month.
- Nneka Otogbolu, COO, Foundation for Black Communities – For her strategic and equity-driven contributions to empowering Black refugees and newcomers across Canada through housing, mental health, and employment initiatives.
Ubuntu Award for Refugee Advocacy and Housing Justice
- MPP Alexa Gilmour – For her tireless advocacy for refugee housing at Queen’s Park and co-founding the Crisis in Our City network.
- Rev. Eddie Jjumba – For his dual leadership in faith-based support, housing and emergency shelter support, and mental health care for refugees through Dominion House of Hope and Newways Center.
- Kizito Musabimana – Founder of Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre and leader of system-shifting housing projects for Black African refugees.
- Pastor Judith James – Founder of The Beautiful Foundation, who in 2023 led a historic effort to shelter over 1,000 African refugees and asylum seekers shut out of Toronto’s shelter system.
Ubuntu Afya na Heshima Award (Health & Dignity Award)
- Crossroads Clinic – Women’s College Hospital – For its pioneering, trauma-informed, and inclusive healthcare model serving newly arrived refugees and claimants, ensuring access to vital care and dignity during the first years of resettlement.
Ubuntu Award for LGBTQ+ Refugee Empowerment
- The 519 – For its impactful programming, including the New to Canada and Among Friends initiatives, offering safe spaces and vital services for LGBTQ+ refugee claimants in Toronto.
Ubuntu Award for Holistic Community Empowerment
- Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) – For its comprehensive settlement and health services, HIV support, and grassroots incubation programs that empower refugee communities, particularly those living with HIV.
Why This Event Matters
The Pre-World Refugee Day Celebration serves as a platform to:
- Celebrate the resilience, creativity, and achievements of refugee communities in Ontario
- Offer healing and connection through culture, art, and community care
- Elevate refugee voices in shaping public narratives and influencing policy
- Connect refugees and newcomers with essential services that support long-term thriving
- Call for continued collective action in addressing systemic barriers, including housing injustice, anti-Black racism, LGBTQ+ exclusion, and gaps in health access
This is not just a day of celebration—it is a call to build a more inclusive and just future. As Patrick Mwesigye, Founder of Hope for Refugees, reminds us:
“Belonging doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built, intentionally, by all of us.”
We invite refugees, service providers, advocates, artists, local leaders, and allies to stand with us on June 18. Whether by showing up, volunteering, donating, or sharing the event widely—your presence matters. Together, we thrive.
For questions and feedback, Contact Cooper Andre, our Manager of Communications and Partnerships at cooper.andre@hopeforrefugees.org