Regional Connections Immigrant Services invites the community to Bethel Heritage Park in Winkler Saturday, June 20 to celebrate World Refugee Day.
Local reps have taken part in festivities for the day in Winnipeg for years, but this is the first time they’re putting on a celebration of their own, shared Russelle Collantes, Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) coordinator.
“We decided to do it here this year, as most of the time when we go into Winnipeg we can only bring a few of our clients along,” he explained. “So we thought why not do something where everyone can celebrate? Let’s do it here in our area.”
World Refugee Day is recognized internationally as a day to celebrate refugees from all parts of the world.
“The main goal is to honour the resilience of people who have been forced to flee their homes because of war, violence, or persecution,” Collantes said. “In our small communities, this is a good time to gather. It’s an opportunity to build understanding and be welcoming to newcomers, to celebrate the contribution that refugees bring to our community.”
This year’s global theme is “We are better together.” It’s a sentiment that holds true locally, Collantes said, as the Pembina Valley welcomes over 125 refugees each year through RAP.
“When we support one another, embrace diversity, and create a sense of belonging for everyone our community becomes stronger and more resilient,” he said.
The celebration runs from 1-4 p.m. next Saturday and will feature face painting, yard games, music from Briana Talavera, Tuesday and Promise Ebuade, and D’Juans Band, and a few brief words from past Resettlement Assistance Program clients.
“They will be sharing their success stories,” Collantes said. “The help that they got from our community, the assistance that they got from the people, from the welcoming community members as they tried to settle in here.”
All are welcome to attend. There is no admission fee.
