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Refugees:  

In November 2009 The River focused on the issue of refugees in the world, with particular focus paid to the Karen people of Burma.  The Karen people have long faced persecution by the Burmese government, with many fleeing to neighbouring Thailand or seeking exile further abroad.

As part of our focus, The River partnered with two organizations:

● Global Neighbours, a Canadian not-for-profit organization providing relief and development support to displaced Karen people now living in Thailand.    Our support helped to fund construction of new schools for the children of migrant agricultural workers, as well as enable ongoing education programming. 

● Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, a not-for-profit organization that provides support services to immigrant and refugee families in the city.  Edmonton has received a contingent of Karen refugees and the River’s funding helps the EMCN offer support programming to this new client group.

Activities in the month included interviews with a Karen community leader and staff from the EMCN to discuss the realities faced by refugees as they struggle to arrive and survive in Canada.  As well, Global Neighbours presented their work and a recent ‘sponsor’ shared his personal experiences living through the trauma of being forced to flee his country.  To help raise awareness and funds, The River hosted a brunch event with Kim Phuc, the famous ‘poster child’ of the Viet Nam war, who shared her own touching and inspirational story.

The Karen Project raised a record amount of funds for a River campaign, and provided much appreciated funding for these two organizations.  EMCN is currently applying to obtain matching funds from the government, which would result in our support having an even larger impact.