If you have ever heard Cesar play his violin, you have likely experienced one of those exquisite moments when music reached your soul. For Cesar, his passion for music came with a cost.

In his home country, Cesar, a Master Violinist, used music as a way to engage children living in low-income communities.

The authoritarian regime of his country took note of Cesar’s success. The gifts that Cesar was using to transform the lives of children were of high value to corrupt and dangerous politicians. When Cesar stood his ground, refusing to let these vulnerable children be exploited for political gain and refusing to present the children at political events, it changed the trajectory of his life.

I’m so grateful that this wasn’t the end of his story. Fearing for his life, Cesar was able to travel to Canada, where he became a refugee.

But his struggle wasn’t over. As a Master Violinist and educator, he had incredible skill, but no income, and couldn’t communicate in English. He was an exemplary community member, but had no home.

When Cesar found COMPASS Refugee Centre, he found new hope. Thanks to generous donors, like you, Cesar was able to access income to get him on his feet.

There were also volunteers who could translate critical documents, avoiding fees he simply could not afford. And he was connected to a lawyer who would represent him with integrity.

Today, Cesar’s gift of music has returned. He’s working full-time in a safe home with his wife and daughter, contributing his talents to our community.

Today, there are over 2,000 people in Southern Ontario navigating the same process Cesar walked through with the help of COMPASS. Each one of those women, men and children have stories much like Cesar’s. Stories of grief. Stories of loss. Stories of fear. Stories of dreams ended. Stories of isolation. But they are also stories of hope. Stories of resilience. Stories of potential. Stories that are yet to be written. And like Cesar, music in their souls to be set free to bless others.