Welcome bags filled for Moose Jaw-bound refugees

People in Moose Jaw are collecting supplies for Syrian refugees who will soon be arriving in their city.

The group, called I Will Help -Moose Jaw, collected hundreds of gift bags Sunday and filled them with clothing, toiletries, and toys for children.

"We just really wanted people to know that Moose Jaw was a place where they could feel safe and welcome," Sommer Amare, one of the organizers, said. "We felt that we really wanted to do something."

While exact numbers were not known, Amare said they are anticipating around 200 Syrian refugees to arrive in their city.

A Moose Jaw laundromat also collected more than 100 bags full of clothing and winter wear for the refugees.

"They're just people that need help," Amare said. "I think we have so much here ... so much to do and give, that we can help."

Amare said the response to their call for items was so good that they will have more than enough to meet the needs of Moose Jaw and will be able to share the welcome bags with other centres or store them for future refugees.