Jay Phillips says he has received overwhelming support since he was attacked. (CBC)

Several hundred people showed up at a rally in the Vancouver Island community of Courtenay, B.C., on Thursday afternoon to support the victim of an apparent hate crime.

Jay Phillips, 38, was beaten up July 3 in an attack believed to be racially motivated. Video of the attack was later uploaded to YouTube, where it drew both media attention and community outrage.

Three men, aged 19 to 25, have been arrested and charged with assault. They are scheduled to appear in court in August.

Speaking to the throng of people gathered at the rally, Phillips said the experience has been surreal.

"This is the most overwhelming thing I have ever had to go through," he said.

Many in the small Vancouver Island coastal community responded with shock and anger. One woman at the rally said she could relate to what Phillips has endured.

"I'm bi-racial and I grew up in a time that was really hard. I was called a lot of names and it was tough growing up."

Kirsten Phillips says she has faced racism for being in a bi-racial marriage. (CBC)

With friends and strangers lining up to shake his hand, Phillips said the support has been amazing.

"I love this place. I love it here. These people are what this valley is about."

His mother, Kirsten, who is white, said racism has been a part of her life since she married a black man.

"It started with my husband and I when we got married in the late 60s, and it hasn't stopped. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of the end of some of it."

Phillips said he believes he was the victim of a hate crime and wants the accused punished to the maximum extent of the law.