Syrian Refugee Welcome Party - August 21, 2016
The Syrian Refugee Welcome Party took place on August 21st, 2016 at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (Don McGahan Clubhouse). With the strong support of our service providers and partners and 50 volunteers, over 250 Syrian refugees participated in the festivities.
This event showcases what OCCSC and the other service providers can offer to support and enrich the lives of newcomers’ and their families. There were presentations for adults and parents on the various services available at the OCCSC. The presentations on the OCCSC’s settlement, language and employment programs were delivered in both English and Arabic. Each family was provided with souvenirs and a welcome package.
The Cuts for Kids Foundation was on site to provide free haircuts for the children, 40 children received haircuts. There were many fun activities for youth, including a movie screening, indoor soccer game, billiards, air hockey, and more hosted by a team of dedicated volunteers. Robbie’s Italian Restaurant graciously provided delicious vegetarian lasagna and dinner rolls for the guests. SuraiTea, a local company that uses the power of the markets to create positive social change for refugees, was on site with their lovely display of teas and also hand served beverages. Shuttle buses between the 1240/1244 Donald St. apartments and the venue were provided by WUBS Transit, a family-owned and operated charter and school bus company.
We were also joined by special guests, Ottawa City Councillors Tobi Nussbaum and Marianne Wilkinson, who showed their support and extended a warm welcome to the Syrian refugees. CBC News and Comefromchina.com (CFC News) were also on site to capture and feature the event and all its happenings.