Children For Peace on Parliament Hill

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Children For Peace on Parliament Hill

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May 15, 2017

More than a dozen Syrian refugee children, who a year ago were fleeing their war-torn homeland, displayed paintings they created about their experiences last Thursday on Parliament Hill.

Their 40-painting exhibit, titled “Children for Peace – From Heart to Heart” was presented by the [Humans for Peace Institution](http://www.humanspeace.org/en) and the [Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre](http://occsc.org/) to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The artwork was on display for the day in a Senate committee room in Parliament’s Centre Block.

“Art connects us both to individual experiences and to different perspectives of the world. In the case of these young Syrian children, their paintings illustrate a story of hope—and a powerful message of peace and unity,” said [Senate Speaker George J. Furey](https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/furey-george-j/).

The project aims to teach children the importance of helping those in need and of welcoming new community members.

“These refugee children fled the war in their home country and arrived in Ottawa less than one year ago. At their young age, they have already undergone adversity and misery that many children could not even think of. These children are giving back to the society and sending a message of gratitude to all Canadians,” said [Senator Victor Oh](https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/oh-victor/).

The artworks were sold in a silent auction and the proceeds were donated to the [Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)](http://www.cheo.on.ca/).