Residents of the Harbour City will gather in the Old City Quarter for a good cause this weekend.
On Saturday (March 19), the Islamic Centre of Nanaimo Refugee Sponsorship Group will be hosting a silent auction fundraiser at St. Andrew’s United Church to support the Syrian family it has sponsored.
The fundraiser will feature musical performances by jazz pianist Carolyn Bell, the VIU Saudi Club and The Big Mess as well as speeches from Douglas White III of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Ghazi Farooq, chairperson of the ICN Refugee Sponsorship Group.
Louise Gilfoy, event organizer and member of the group, said she is hoping to raise $4,000 at silent auction. The money would go toward helping the family, and any extra money would go to helping other refugee families.
Donated silent auction items up for grabs include return airfare to any scheduled destination offered by Harbour Air, Lowrance Hook-4 sonar downscan fish finder, a gift certificate to OmTown Yoga Studio and a two-night stay at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse.
Gilfoy said she is thrilled at just how supportive residents of the Harbour City have been towards sponsoring refugees and supporting their successful integration into the community.
“There are a lot of amazing people I have met through this and there are a lot of amazing people in Nanaimo. Nanaimo has been really welcoming to people,” she said. “It has made me really proud of Nanaimo.”
The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information call 250-668-8064.
reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com