Jasperites opened up their hearts and their wallets during a storytelling fundraiser at the Downstream Lounge, Nov. 26.
The sold-out event raised $5,740 to support a Syrian refugee family that is expected to arrive in Jasper before the end of the year.
The bulk of the money was donated by the Downstream Lounge, which donated more than 50 per cent of the evening’s sales and waived its venue fee.
The stories were told by Jasperites of all ages and backgrounds and ranged from tales of escaping communist rule in Eastern Europe to being rescued off a cliff in Yosemite National Park.
“I am still riding the wave started up by that evening. People were so generous,” said Nancy Addison, who is spearheading the initiative to bring the Syrian family to Jasper.
According to Addison, the family of three is now in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, and is in the process of being interviewed by officials from the Canadian embassy. They are also completing medical exams, before they can fly to Canada.
Exactly when they will arrive is still up in the air, but according to the federal government 10,000 privately-sponsored refugees are expected to arrive before the end of this year, with another 15,000 government-sponsored refugees arriving by the end of February.
According to the CBC, around 30 refugees boarded Canada-bound planes in Lebanon on Nov. 30, with hundreds more expected in the coming days. Eventually, the government hopes to move about 900 refugees per day.
The federal government estimates it will cost up to $678 million over six years to resettle the refugees, with the bulk of spending over the next two years.
Locally, organizers estimate it will cost about $35,000 to help the family during its first year in Jasper.
In an effort to raise those funds, numerous fundraisers have been organized. The first was a yoga night, led by Marla Pollock, that raised $600.
On Dec. 1, the next major fundraising effort was launched.
The December Project, an initiative designed to motivate people to stay active and contribute to a worthy cause, will donate 50 per cent of its fundraising dollars to help the family.
Organized by Jasperite Joe Urie, the goal of the project is get people off the couch and exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day.
To get involved, drop off a $20 donation at the Bear’s Paw Bakery or the Other Paw Bakery and sign up to the group’s Facebook page.
Organizers also intend to hold a “Sweets for Syria” fundraiser at Karouzo’s Steakhouse on Jan. 14, 2016. There will be sweets and refreshments, as well as a silent auction.
A trust fund has also been set up for the family at the local Servus Credit Union branch. Donations should be made out to the "Jasper Syrian Refugee Fund."
For more information about the family and upcoming events, visit the group’s Facebook page: Bring a Syrian Family to Jasper.
Editor’s note: Paul Clarke, a reporter with the Fitzhugh, was one of 10 people to share a personal story during the fundraising event at the Downstream Lounge Nov. 26.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
