The Castlegar Refugee Project committee wants to send out a huge thank you for all of those who took part in the fantastic International Cultural Festival Nov 13. We had so much fun together, celebrating each other’s traditions, dress, foods, dances, art and so much more. Coming together like this helps us to really see each other as people. So many took the time to prepare tables, displays, dances, crafts and foods. What a true festival it was!
The $4300 in proceeds will go to a great cause as well, the support of a family who has been living in Malaysia as refugees for ten years already. We can’t change the world, but we can change their world! We hope to apply to sponsor them this December. Then there may be years of waiting, but they are so thankful we have their best interests at heart!
We are grateful for the support of the RDCK and Andy Davidoff at Area I for the room rental. Kinnaird Park Community Church has shouldered the charitable tax receipt work and banking. The United Church Diocese of Kootenay is our Sponsorship Agreement Holder – meaning they are the go between with the Canadian government.
We let you all know about this event with the generous support of the Castlegar News, the GOAT radio, and Kootenay Coop Radio.
The staff and students of Selkirk College International Department are hugely responsible for the success of this event. You can attend another International Fair at the college on Thursday, Nov. 17.
We have always been lavishly blessed by the local Doukhobor families and they raffled off a gorgeous quilt. This is the second quilt, as they also donated one in May at the Run 4 Refugees. We know their heart for peace and for the refugees of this world.
Trowelex added to the fun with their popcorn and cotton candy machines. Kootenay Centre Cinema donated tickets for raffling. KTK Masala helped with henna supplies.
A thousand thank yous to this community!
And an invitation to the next party — the movie event at Castlegar United Church on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2 p.m. This is for the whole family and involves chocolate! Peace by Chocolate is an uplifting film about a Syrian family who were settled in Antigonish and have gone on to become the major employer there as they built a chocolate business.
Come and buy some Christmas baking, enjoy the film and the activities planned.
With gratefulness,
The Castlegar Refugee Project committee members
READ MORE: Celebrating Castlegar’s cultural diversity
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