DIGNITY FOR ALL PROGRAM
OUR PARTNERS Gold Partner ($3,000+)
Silver Partner ($2,000 - $2,999)
Bronze Partner ($1,000 - $1,999)
The Kaushal Family
Partner ($150 - $999)
Dignity For All Program: A Quick Glance (A Joint Newsletter Between Crescent School and Havergal College) Message from the Chair I am pleased to report that the Dignity For All program has made huge strides over the past month in our two-pronged response to the Syrian refugee situation. Our fundraising total continues to tick up, and we recently welcomed a large group of government-sponsored refugees to provide them a safe space to socialize and participate in activities. Our funds inch closer to our target of $50,000+, as it now registers under $36,000. We would like to thank our partners, namely CIBC (silver partner), Home Trust (gold partner) and the Royal Conservatory of Music (gold partner). The Royal Conservatory of Music has graciously agreed to put two singers through their yearly school program, free-of-charge (valued at approximately $5,000).
Crescent School and Havergal College opened up their doors on Saturday, February 20, 2016 and Saturday, February 27, 2016, respectively. With a team of over 20 volunteers, the Dignity For All program welcomed over 80-100 government-sponsored refugees. Activities offered to the refugees included conversational English, soccer, basketball, floor hockey, arts & crafts, board games and lego centre. It was well-received by all of those in attendance. The Dignity For All program has taken huge strides in both aspects of the two-pronged response. We would like to thank members of the Crescent and Havergal community for their continued support of the program. - Ronald Chow, Student Chair March 4, 2016
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Dignity For All Program: A Quick Glance (A Joint Newsletter Between Crescent School and Havergal College) OUR FUNDRAISING PROGRESS The total funds raised now totals $35,968.15; well past our originally $30,000 goal. In addition, the Royal Conservatory of Music has generously offered a $5,000 scholarship to two Syrian children/teenagers. We would like to thank our newest partners, namely Locus Systems (bronze partner), and the Royal Conservatory of Music (gold partner). We would also like to extend our gratitude to our other partners’ continued support. Crescent School’s internal fundraiser on Friday, February 26, 2016 added over $2,593.65 to the fund. With two events left in the school year, we are hoping for a few more partners as well to reach our new $50,000 fundraising target. If you and/or your corporation are interested in supporting the Dignity For All program through a financial contribution, please do not hesitate to contact any member of our fundraising team.
100%
90%
80%
70%
- Ronald Chow, Student Chair 60%
If you are interested in partnering with us and offering a financial contribution, please do not hesitate to contact any member of our fundraising team for more details: 50%
Selina Chow Joseph Sumabat Jack Williamson Harrison Hui Ryan Boyd
schow@havergal.on.ca josephsumabat@crescentschool.org jackwilliamson@crescentschool.org harrisonhui@crescentschool.org ryanboyd@crescentschool.org
40%
Dignity For All Program 30%
Ronald Chow, Student Chair Mr. Mehernosh Pestonji, (Crescent School) Faculty Chair Mr. Gordon Grisé, (Havergal College) Faculty Chair Tyler Mark, Student Co-Chair
20%
Editorial Board of “Dignity For All Program: A Quick Glance” William Gill, Editor-In-Chief Spencer Dale, Associate Editor
Selina Chow, Editor-In-Chief Angelina Pan, Associate Editor
Our Fundraising Team Joseph Sumabat, Chief Financial Officer Jack Williamson, Financial Planner Harrison Hui, Financial Planner Ryan Boyd, Financial Planner March 4, 2016
10%
0%
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Dignity For All Program: A Quick Glance (A Joint Newsletter Between Crescent School and Havergal College) The Immigration Situation in Germany and Canada
Germany, the country known for its bloody altercations in the past World Wars is now turning towards a new bright page in its imminent future. The country has taken in 220,000 refugees with welcoming arms and is expected to allow 800,000 more refugees to enter by the end of the year. The road to get to such a wealthy country from Syria is a journey that many must take. One must first escape the confining borders of Syria, traverse safely across the Turkish border, arrive at Greece and then cross the Balkans before taking a train to Germany. After this tiresome journey, refugees are offered housing in one of Germany’s 16 Federal States where they are allowed to reside for 3 years before being able to apply for permanent residence. This growth of refugees in Germany has helped stimulate the economy with the country bringing in a surplus of 22 billion Euros for the State, with the amount increasing each progressive year. However despite Germany’s best intentions and hospitality, the country claims that 1 in every 3 “Syrian” refugees who enter the country aren’t actually of Syrian descent and are merely taking advantage of the present lenient policies. There is also discrimination in the job market towards Syrians and many employers are shying away from the prospect of hiring Syrian refugees. With no guaranteed future for the incoming refugees there are concerns however many believe that situation in Germany is more favorable than the constant anxiety of living in Syria. - Tyler Mark, Crescent School March 4, 2016
As hundreds of government-sponsored Syrian refugees arrive in Toronto, the lack of permanent housing has forced many to stay in hotels. However, the hotels are not temporary accommodations; they have become prisons for the newcomers. These refugees have already had to stay in hotels for much longer than expected, with no signs of leaving any time soon. Unfortunately, Syrian refugees in a Toronto hotel feel like they’re “trapped in a prison” without any hope, due to the lack of communication, supplies, and assistance. Also, the absence of a permanent house address has prevented parents from enrolling their children in local schools. In addition, volunteers working with these refugees fear that the isolation can lead to severe mental health challenges. Many volunteers are frustrated that no official or medical professional has taken the initiative to check in with each refugee to ensure that they’re doing well. As a result of these poor accommodations in the hotels, many Syrian refugees are having mixed feelings and are reconsidering their decision to resettle in Canada. “All I do is dream about having a home,” says Dilaver Omar, who is staying with his family in a crowded Toronto hotel. He says that the constant bustle of the building has grown to be “too much.” Some refugees have even said that they would rather return to the camps in Jordan and Lebanon. A Syrian woman asked for permission from the Canadian Embassy to return to her home, only to receive a discouraging response of, “there is no way you guys can return now.” - Selina Chow, Havergal College Issue 4
Dignity For All Program: A Quick Glance (A Joint Newsletter Between Crescent School and Havergal College) The United Nations
Recently, the spotlight has been so focused on Trudeau’s plan to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees in Canada that the attention on other relief efforts has diminished. However, the continued work of the United Nations shouldn’t be ignored, as it provides crucial information on international refugee statuses. Unlike individual state entities, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has a presence that stretches beyond borders, with the ability to gather key information about recent refugee arrivals in all countries. A UNHCR survey conducted in January 2016 interviewed Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers upon arrival in Greece; it showed that 85% were internally displaced before deciding to travel to Greece. Another issue these refugees faced was the lack of legal documentation: 47% of those surveyed, who have resided in another country for more than six months, did not have the necessary documents, making the asylum application processes longer and more challenging. This survey also showed that 79% of the Syrians interviewed had a secondary school or university diploma, but chose to leave their last country of residence due to the limited employment opportunities. The UN Refugee Agency calls for more action regarding reception at entry points to Europe and humane accommodations to refugees and asylum-seekers. However, it found that some European countries are putting stricter border control policies in place to avoid solving resettlement issues. Although the United Nations is instrumental in gathering information, it is the responsibility of each country to take action. When it comes to finding long-term and sustainable solutions, individual state powers need to be receptive and utilize the UN data - Isabella Xu, Havergal College March 4, 2016
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