The Friends of the Syrian Refugees are hosting a welcoming fundraising concert to raise money for refugees who have recently arrived in Nanaimo.
“We want to build a little understanding and awareness,” said coordinator Lewis Beck.
He said it’s important to hear and learn about their experiences.
“It kind of makes you appreciate living in a free country like Canada,” he said.
The concert is Thursday (May 12) at 7 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Mount Benson Branch, which donated the space for the fundraiser. The legion is located at 1630 East Wellington Rd.
Admission is by donation. Refreshments will also be available at the concert by donation.
Beck said the group has asked a representative from Snuneymuxw First Nation to officially open the concert and welcome the refugees to the traditional Snuneymuxw territory.
The concert features performances by Jack Jantzen, The Flowers of Nanaimo Chinese Dance Troupe, The Inspirational Eight, Maya and Owen Harbo, John Hopkins and Beck, Dave Simmons and The Nigerian Choristers.
Beck said The Inspirational Eight will do a rendition of We are the World to a slide show presentation of photos of Syrian refugees arriving in Canada and of refugee camps.
Maya Harbo is a 10-year-old violinist. Beck said she has been involved with numerous fundraisers before, including raising money for cancer treatments.
“What a heart – she’s all heart,” he said.
Friends of the Syrian Refugees are an ad hoc group of community members. Money raised will be given to the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society to disperse.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com