About a dozen people rolled out their yoga mats and raised nearly $600 on Nov. 14 for a Syrian refugee family that will soon make Jasper home.
Marla Pollock, a local yoga instructor and visual artist, hosted the free event at Karouzos Steakhouse, which officially closed for the season in October.
The family of three, which is currently seeking refuge in the mountains of Lebanon, could arrive in Jasper as soon as next month, although their arrival date is not yet known.
To support the family, a group of residents have set up a trust fund at Servus Credit Union and are organizing various fundraisers over the next few months.
According to Nancy Addison, who is spearheading the initiative with Dave Neilson, it could cost up to $30,000 to support the family for the first year, although she said she hopes to keep costs down through community donations.
The next fundraising event will be a storytelling night held on Nov. 26 at the Downstream Lounge.
According to Addison, 10 short stories will be delivered by 10 Jasperites. The restaurant has also offered to donate a percentage of the night’s sales to help support the family.
There will also be a silent auction; anyone interested in donating to the event is asked to contact Wendy Kellis at [email protected] or Joan Dillion at [email protected].
Tickets for the event are $25 and are on sale at Three Sheets, Candy Bear’s Lair and Barefoot in the Park.
In addition to story night, organizers are also aiming to host a Syrian dinner in the New Year and are looking for local chefs who may be interested in helping.
To donate to the trust fund, visit the local Servus Credit Union branch and make the donation 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 for the Jasper Fitzhugh, will be sharing a story as part of the Nov. 26 fundraiser at the Downstream Lounge.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
