Lloyd Dyer Park came alive with the “Sounds of Support” for a Syrian family now living in Guelph.
Organizers of the June 17 event were Rosslyn Bentley and Marion Willms from the Guelph-Eramosa Refugee Sponsorship Project, a group that includes members of the local community and five United Churches in the area.
Though supporting the national campaign, “We also wanted to sponsor a specific family as well,” said Bentley.
The group raised $25,000 from the churches and a spaghetti supper. Bentley noted they had an overall goal of $35,000 so they continued to fundraise.
“Our family arrived May 17 and are here today,” she said.
“We realized it is not just the money we need to raise; it’s awareness about welcoming refuges to the community … especially those who are Muslim or Arabic and their English skills may not be that great … and a lot of people (here) do not know much about their culture.
“We thought it was really important to have an event to bring people together and music is the international language.”
Local vendors were invited to offer food.
“We have a little bit of everything, but the focus is on the food,” said Bentley.
Numerous musicians donated time for the event, including the Funga Drummers, who open for Hillside.
“There’s a lot of local talent,” Bentley said.
For a photo of the family click here.
