More than 200 people participated in the World Refugee Day Fundraiser held in Prince Albert on Thursday. (Brady Bateman/paNOW Staff)

By Brady Bateman

Cultural Celebration

Celebrating World Refugee Day in Prince Albert

Jun 21, 2019 | 12:25 PM

It was an evening of fashion, food and entertainment as the Prince Albert YWCA held a fundraiser in honour of World Refugee Day Thursday.

“We’re celebrating the courage and the strength of refugees who have had to leave their home countries because of war or persecution to move on to another country,” Carolyn Hobden, manager of settlement services with the YWCA, said.

“The ones we have here moved all the way to Prince Albert to resettle and start over here in P.A.”

A cultural meal which saw clients bringing in samplings of traditional dishes from their home countries and sharing the experience of other traditional cuisines started the evening.

Clients then participated in a fashion show, showing off traditional clothing styles from their home countries.

Emergency response

Pedestrian struck by vehicle on Highway 2 south

8h ago

EDUCATION ISSUES

STF calls for newly re-elected government action on education funding shortfall

11h ago

Court proceedings

Lasas murder trial adjourned for two months

12h ago

Some of the youths who participated in the fashion show held during the World Refugee Day fundraiser hosted by P.A’s YWCA Settlement Services. (Submitted photo/Carolyn Hobden)

“It’s important for them to remember their roots and where they came from while sharing that with others,” Hobden said.

“This also is an opportunity to celebrate the opportunity to come to a new country and start a new life, and to share a night with other people who have gone through similar circumstances.”

Hobden added she was surprised by the turnout of the evening with almost all of the YWCA’s clients, more than 200 people and their families, turning up in support of the event.

Participating in the fundraiser was Fouz Pozan, who came to Prince Albert from Syria with her family.

“It’s good for my children to see and remember what my culture is. I love all the cultures, and I love the new culture I’m learning,” Pozan said.

Prince Albert’s Settlement Services noted in addition to those who have already relocated to Prince Albert, more than 100 individuals are expected to arrive in the city over the next two months, adding that as of last week one family had already arrived, with another family expected to arrive next week.

–

Brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TheDigitalBirdy