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News & Events
- Happy Hour & Appetizers @ Century Grill
- Exhibit reception: 'YW's Working Women'
- The Benjaman Gallery & YWCA of WNY offer 'Roar!'
- Reception honoring Rear Admiral Graf
- An Evening of Debates
- Candidate College: Anyone Can Run for Elected Office
- Have your child join the Summer Fun Program
- Exhibit reception: 'The House That YWCA Built'
- Chocolate & Wine Tasting
- Ray of Light
- Institute for Public Leadership
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2012
BUFFALO, NY: Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment Coalition (BIREC) in collaboration with the YWCA of WNY are proud to host The Third Annual World Refugee Day Celebration June 23 -24, 2012. World Refugee Day honors the courage, strength, and determination of women, men, and children who are forced to flee their homeland under the threat of persecution, conflict, and violence. In 2011 Buffalo became the home to approximately 1,600 newcomers from Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This locally organized free event strives to celebrate the refugees living in WNY and the diversity of cultures, experiences, and assets they bring to our community.
On Monday, June 18 at 10 AM, Council Member David Rivera opened the 2012 World Refugee Day Celebrations on the steps of Buffalo's City Hall with a proclamation. The proclamation hopes to raise awareness around refugee issues, including: international conflicts and violence that create refugee crisis, the refugee resettlement process, and the challenges and opportunities faced by refugees after resettling in Western New York. The festivities will kick off at 9am Saturday, June 23 with an International Soccer Tournament held at Lasalle Park. Teams will compete for their spots in the finals scheduled to begin at 5:30pm and last until 7pm. This tournament features teams from all over the world whose members have resettled here in Buffalo. This year highlights teams from Vietnam, Congo, Laos, Somalia, Liberia, Iraq, Burma, Bhutan, Sudan, and Latin America. We are excited to have seen this tournament grow in participation and attendance over the past three years. "We see this as an opportunity to build a cultural bridge between Buffalo residents and our newest community members," said Ali Kadhum, President of Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment Coalition, (BIREC). The talent these players showcase on the field is amazing to say the least. Mark your calendars and pack your picnics as this family-friendly event is a definite do not miss! The celebrations continue on Sunday, June 24 from 3:00 until 7:00 PM with an Ethnic Festival & Award Ceremony held at YWCA of WNY, located at 1005 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY. Festival-goers enjoy free live entertainment and a taste of dishes from around the world. Entertainers from our refugee communities donate their time and talents to make this event a success. All food is donated from the fabulous cooks representing our diverse refugee communities. This event provides our community an opportunity to have fun and share their cultural heritage while engaging Buffalonians in both local and global humanitarian issues. "YWCA of WNY has a long history in Buffalo of working with the immigrant community and is proud to be a part of this event," said Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO of YWCA of WNY. This year organizers hope to create even greater excitement around World Refugee Days to increase community awareness and promote attendance. BIREC and the YWCA of WNY gratefully recognize our sponsors UNYTS, Kevin O'Connell of O'Connell's American Bistro, New Era Cap, Dr. John L Deberry and Council Member David A. Rivera. We wish to give special thanks to Delaware Soccer Club and Western New York Resettlement Agency Coalition. These events are free and open to the public. Please join your voice in honoring refugees locally and internationally. If you are interested in donating your time, talents or financial support to help this event grow please contact BIREC at birecsoccerx@gmail.com. The Buffalo Immigrant Refugee Empowerment Coalition (BIREC) is a grassroots organization that strives to unite, educate and empower new comers. BIREC in partnership with Western New York Resettlement Agency Coalition (WNYRAC) provides monthly speakers who focus on education, housing, health, immigration, employment, and community safety. It is BIREC's vision to become a moving force in rebuilding communities through the passion and dedication of Buffalo's refugee communities. www.birecforall.webnode.com The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. is a non-profit agency that has been in existence for 142 years. We continue to serve the public of Western New York with our variety of programs including early childhood and at-risk youth education, child care, domestic violence housing and counseling, and senior housing. Please visit our website to see all that we offer. www.ywca-wny.org Contact Information:
Mary Jo Marvin: 716.445.4414 |
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© YWCA of WNY - 1005 Grant Street - Buffalo, New York 14207 - (716) 852-6120 - info@ywca-wny.org
The YWCA of WNY is a United Way Agency.
