Syrian people in a refugee camp in Suruc, Turkey. A group of Brock University students concerned about the Syrian refugee crisis is planning a discussion panel to shed light on the situation and offer ways to help.
This is the first community event organized by Brock for Refugees, a group of Brock students, faculty and staff working together to aid Syrian refugees in Niagara.
It takes place Tuesday, March 22 from 5-7 p.m. in Sankey Chamber. Everyone is welcome to attend.
“This event is important because it goes all the way back to the 1980s and provides greater context about the issues contributing to the crisis,” said Brock student and volunteer Zanab Jafry.
She said discussion will include a look at the needs and hurdles faced by Syrian refugees resettling in Canada and the organizations in place to help them.
Jafry said a key component of the event is letting people know how they can help Syrian refugees in multiple capacities ranging from health and social to financial and other needs.
The event will feature speakers including Brock University professor Terrance Wade, Amnesty International’s Gloria Nafziger, Brock student and daughter of a Syrian refugee Bahirah Jandali, UNICEF Brock president Patrick Foster and Save Our Syria members Ahmed Fehail and Majed Azrek.
“One of our goals is to dispel some of the misconceptions,” Jafry said.
She said those misconceptions will cover issues from Canadian attitudes about refugees to why people are displaced.
Before, during and after the event, Brock for Refugees will be collecting hygiene items that will help refugees settling in Niagara.
Items needed include: diapers, towels, underwear, disposable wipes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothbrushes, feminine products, deodorant, body lotion, floss, etc. Donations can be dropped off in the Student Life Involvement Commons (Mackenzie Chown Complex, A Block, 204 – MC A 204) before and after the event, or at Sankey Chamber the night of the panel discussion.
To RSVP and for more information on the event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/199298640427574
