Gabriel Pizza co-sponsors welcome party for Syrian refugees

Ottawa – Gabriel Pizza provided pizza for and co-sponsored an event held this week to help welcome Syrian refugees to Ottawa.

Ottawa mayor Jim Watson and city councillor Michael Qaqish, special liaison for refugee resettlement, were on hand May 30 at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park to welcome the residents.

“Ottawa is proud to be a community that welcomes refugees, and this year approximately 1,500 Syrian refugees have found a new home in our city,” Mayor Watson said in a news release. “By the end of the year, the city expects to receive an additional 500 Syrian refugees. Today is an opportunity to officially welcome them into our community as our neighbours.”

The event featured information booths about City and community services, children’s activities and snacks. It was made possible through sponsors Gabriel Pizza, Q Residential, PapaJack Popcorn, Little Ray’s Reptiles, Lamarche Electric, Pepsi Co., Eurest Services, Ottawa Fury, Ottawa Senators, Balloon It, Event Design Group, Full of Beans Party Rentals, Loblaws, Mastermind Events, and Orbital Talent.

“The pizza was a huge hit with everyone,” said Ray Skaff, head of corporate communications and public relations for Gabriel Pizza. “It was a fun afternoon and a great celebration with our new Canadian residents.”

Refugees will continue to receive the assistance to transition into their new city over the coming months.