Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group
Submitted
Community engagement through the Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group (KRRG) got a boost from two sold-out Middle Eastern dinners last week. Altogether, the KRRG raised over $2,500 toward the initial $15,000 that must be in the group’s checking account before the actual process of welcoming new families to Kimberley can begin.
Just ahead are more opportunities to move the group closer to its initial financial goal.
First, a look at the successes on March 9th and 11th, when more than 80 people gathered at The Green Door for a four-course Middle Eastern dinner plus surprises. In addition to building a stronger existing community around abundantly spread tables, guests broadened their experience of Middle Eastern culture. They savoured regional dishes, enjoyed the company of new friends and longtime acquaintances, and joined in the fun of a raffle for unusual prizes donated by generous local individuals and businesses. On Wednesday, March 9th the Anadil Dancers delighted and on Friday, March 11th Tim Park plied guests with extra potent Middle Eastern coffee throughout the evening.
Kimberley residents Allan and Jill Sayegh prepared and co-hosted the two Middle Eastern feasts, with Green Door’s chef Jamie Funk enthusiastically supporting the effort in the kitchen. They were guided by recipes Allan’s mother brought with her to Canada when she left the part of Syria that is now Lebanon.
In addition to tasty results from the kitchen, diners were treated to Ty Turner’s enthusiast support in the dining room along with other Green Door helpers. Their clever decorating efforts assured a festive Middle Eastern atmosphere for the occasion. Musicians Jay Robinson and Nathan Taron filled both evenings with music, Jay especially eye-catching as he played his tabla.
Participants were urged to increase their own involvement with KRRG, both as financial contributors and as volunteers. At the Wednesday event, Peggy Frederikse, KRRG Chair (pictured with co-host Allan Sayegh) shared her enthusiasm for the endeavour and two nights later, Paula Gordon urged people to get involved.
A regular e-newsletter was announced to keep interested people and organizations up to date on KRRG’s activities, needs and progress. Everyone is cordially invited to add themselves to this growing e-connection by sending a simple “Please add me” with their email address to Info@KimberleyRefugees.ca.
On Saturday, March 19th, the KRRG and the Wasa Lions co-sponsored a spaghetti dinner, bake sale and raffle at the Wasa Community Hall.
Then, just in time to shop for Mother’s Day and high school graduation, KRRG volunteers Louise Hockley and Cyndy Moore are co-hosting a special fundraising Dessert Evening on Thursday, March 31st from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Anglican Church Hall in Kimberley. In addition to tasty delights and an eclectic silent auction, guests will find a Regal Gift table, featuring an array of high quality handmade items from around the world, including Silpada designs of sterling silver jewelry, scarves and leather handbags.
Details about these events, other upcoming events in the planning stages and a lot more can be found on the KRRG website at www.kimberleyrefugees.ca, at facebook.com/kimberleyrefugeeresettlementgroup and at ‘Berley TImes (www.ekology.net/bt).