Celebrate World Refugee Day and learn how you can support people fleeing war and persecution.

June 20 is recognized as World Refugee Day, a day designated by the UN Refugee Agency to focus global attention on the plight of people fleeing conflict or persecution. As part of its Refugees Welcome Here Campaign, the Calgary Local Immigration Partnership (CLIP) is inviting Calgarians to celebrate World Refugee Day by attending two free community events—a film festival for all ages and an opportunity to learn from Tareq Hadhad, former Syrian refugee, now founder and Chief Executive Officer of the successful chocolate company, Peace by Chocolate.

The Refugees Welcome Here Film Festival will be held at the Central Library on June 18, starting at 1 p.m. and will feature films Someone Like Me, The Secret Marathon and more. Hosted by CLIP, in partnership with the Calgary Justice Film Festival, the event explores the global refugee crisis and what we can all do to support refugees and others fleeing war and conflict.  Robert Toth, CLIP member and vice president of communications and community engagement, The Immigrant Education Society says that “now more than ever, the global refugee crisis is at a critical point” and everyone should be part of the solution to provide the necessary supports that refugees and newcomers need to succeed in their new homeland. The film festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with film makers, community advocates and newly arrived refugees. A community resource fair will also be held during the festival.

From noon to 2 p.m. on June 20, Tareq Hadhad will lead a panel discussion at the Central Library for newcomer entrepreneurs to engage with experts in newcomer entrepreneurship. Hadhad will also be sharing his family’s story at a lunch event; including the importance of the local community in the family’s successful settlement and integration in Canada. Lunch will be provided.  Refugees not only benefit from safety in Canada, but data shows that they make important contributions to our economy and communities over time.  Approximately 14 per cent of refugees create jobs for themselves and other Canadians.

Complimentary tickets and details for all events are available at calgarylip.ca.

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