INNISFAIL – The community continues to show its support to bring a third Syrian refugee family to town.
A fundraising concert was held at Innisfail United Church on May 24.
A portion of the proceeds is going towards the Welcoming Communities committee to help bring Duaa Mohammad Alhariri and her two young sons, Hadi and Omar, to Canada.
Canadian folk artists Logan McKillop and Madeleine Roger performed during the fundraiser. The duo sings as well as writes some of their own music and has been performing together for four years.
“We’re on a month-long tour to the west coast and back, “ said McKillop, who hails from Manitoba. “We’re both really happy to stop here in Innisfail tonight and be a part of this event.”
The folk duo has performed for other charities and causes in the past and were pleased to help raise funds for the Welcoming Communities committee.
“It’s really grounding to remember why we’re all here and what is important to work towards in the world,” said Roger. “I think a lot of folk music focuses on positive messages and helps remind people that community is important.”
Rev. Kathy Calkins, a member of the Welcoming Communities committee, said a few words before the concert and was pleased to see such support from the church and the community.
“We’re so grateful that they thought of us and offered this (fundraising concert) to us. It’s a really generous and wonderful gift to our group,” said Calkins. “The community has been so supportive all along. This just reaffirms the continuing support of the whole community of Innisfail towards this undertaking.”
Committee member Jill Pedersen noted there is some recent progress made with the government refugee process and said the committee is excited to see things moving forward.
She also noted how much the committee appreciated the community support.
“We are very pleased to partner with the United Church and help put on this event,” said Pedersen. “We’re really excited, we think it’s going to be a fun night.”
