Drumming up support for Syrian refugees

Drumming up support for Syrian refugees –

Organizers and volunteers of a benefit concert held Saturday to show support for privately-supported Syrian-Armenian newcomers to Niagara at the Armenian Community Centre of St. Catharines. Photo by Don Fraser/ St. Catharines Standard/ Postmedia Network

S. Catharines Standard

They came together as one in musical harmony to support the area’s resettling Syrian refugees.

Saturday’s benefit at the Armenian Community Centre of St. Catharines was organized by the centre and a Syrian-Armenian refugee assistance committee.

About 200 people were expected for performances on the bill that included Mothership Landing, Wesley James, Kurt Dunn, Chloe Rabideau, Emma Lee Fleury, Mason Vail, Dizzy Ravine and authentic Irish dancing by Bryan Taylor Academy.

Proceeds from the concert will help newly settled Syrian-Armenian refugees who are being privately sponsored.

The refugee committee and the community centre is working with the Niagara Refugee Assistance Committee to help with the arrival and settlement of those families.

Many refugees, a number from a Syrian-Armenian background, are expected to come to Niagara over the year.

The centre has privately sponsored eight families locally, with more expected.

“We have eight families and they are here already,” said Sam Tokadjian, chair of the Syrian Armenian committee, adding they have also found jobs.

“And we are expecting more in the near future, with some applications already in process — at least a minimum of 20 families.”

Tokadjian said this is the third fundraising event run by the Armenian community, with other funds raised privately and through Armenian churches and organizations.

Organizers hoped to raise at least $5,000 at the weekend concert event.

They also made a point of thanking the many people who helped make the event a success, including businesses that contributed to the event through their donations and time.

Donations to the Syrian-Armenia refugee committee can be made at www.gofundme.com/ sarcis