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Refugee project continues to draw support

More than 75 people attended a recent meeting of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Refugee Project

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Refugee Project continues to draw support.

More than 75 people attended a recent meeting at the PVSS theatre.

Before special guest Imam Muhammed William Saleh spoke, several other activities took place.

The Me to We group, represented by Madison Smith, Miriah Card, Jessica Kruger and Tayana Simpson, presented a $1,000 cheque to Mayor Chris Pieper to help bring a refugee family to Armstrong.

Next up was Julia Body’s drama class, which volunteered to present a reading from a locally written play entitled We’re Already Home.

It is about a Muslim family settling in Vernon and the challenges for the two groups to understand each other and become neighbours.

It is soon apparent that there are many common values that the family and their neighbours share. Co-author Lorna Tureski was on hand to outline the background to the play and introduce it.

“The students produced a superbly passionate reading that engaged the whole audience,” said ASREP spokesperson Ron Brinnen.

“The drama students enjoyed the play so much that they are considering presenting a longer reading as a fundraiser in the future.”

Brinnen says Saleh’s presentation was interesting and enlightening.

“He demonstrated that Islam and Christianity share a great many similarities and common values and that the roots of both religions are often entwined also,” said Brinnen.

A question period followed his presentation.

The community of Kingfisher is hosting a fundraising evening to support ASREP Saturday.

The doors of Kingfisher Hall open at 6 p.m. Bring a dessert or hors d’oeuvres to share and a $25 suggested donation per person.

Entertainment will include Murray MacDonald, the Popoleko Balkan Choir, Jenna Marinus, Twinkle Toes and Ross Fedy.

“If you’ve never been to Kingfisher Hall, it should be on your bucket list,” said Brinnen.

“It is a grand, old-style community hall, meticulously kept and perfect for gatherings such as this one.”