2017 World Refugee Awareness Week
St. Vincent Catholic Charities is proud to announce the events that will be part of the 2017 World Refugee Awareness Week.
Saturday, June 17
Location: Hawk Island Park, 1601 E. Cavanaugh St., Lansing, MI
Registration: Begins at 7:30 a.m.
Race Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Registration: www.runsignup.com/WelcomingTheStranger5k
To celebrate World Refugee Day, St. Vincent Catholic Charities (STVCC) will be hosting the fourth annual Welcoming the Stranger: 5k Family Fun Run. The race is FREE to register, and STVCC asks that all participants bring along a box of diapers of any size to donate in support of the STVCC Refugee Resettlement Program.
“Our fourth annual Welcoming the Stranger: 5k Family Fun Run is Lansing’s opportunity to express our community’s support for refugees” said Judi Harris, STVCC director of refugee services. “The 2017 World Refugee Awareness Week offers many events where we can come together peacefully and welcome the stranger through greater acceptance and understanding of different cultures and religions. This race is perfect for families and individuals of all ages to enjoy one of Lansing’s beautiful parks while celebrating the diversity of our city.”
The 2017 World Refugee Awareness Week is the City of Lansing’s week-long celebration of World Refugee Day. This day was established by the United Nations to honor the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence. Every year, the UN recognizes June 20 as World Refugee Day and large cities across the globe create elaborate festivals and events to celebrate. Join us June 17 – 24 as Lansing celebrates the thousands of refugees resettled in our community!
Media are invited to cover this and other events throughout the week!
Monday, June 19
Global Institute of Lansing (GIL) Graduation
First Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., GIL will recognize six adult refugee students receiving their High School Diplomas.
Cultural Rebirth: Hope
Samaritas, 1545 Keystone Ave., Lansing
From 6 – 8 p.m., Samaritas is hosting an art reception and open house focusing on refugees and the hope resettlement provides in their lives.
Tuesday, June 20
World Refugee Day
Each year on June 20 the United Nations and countless civic groups around the world celebrate World Refugee Day. The day was established to honor the courage, strength and determination of those who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence. Join the Lansing community by celebrating the different refugee populations resettled in Lansing each year.
Refugee Iftar Dinner
The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, 920 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing
At 8:45 p.m., all members of the public are welcome to gather at sunset and to break fast during Ramadan together.
Wednesday, June 21
Refugee Resettlement: Misconceptions and Contributions Presentation
Ingham County Health Department Room D/E, 5303 S Cedar St., Lansing
The Ingham County Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a brown bag luncheon presentation from 12 – 1 p.m. that addresses common misconceptions about refugees and the benefits they provide to the community.
Garden Tour and Potluck
North School Garden, 333 E Miller Rd., Lansing
The Greater Lansing Food Bank’s Garden Project is hosting a summer potluck from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in one of Lansing’s beautiful and unique gardens; North School Garden. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass.
Meet Your Neighbor at the CADL Downtown Branch
CADL Downtown Branch, 401 S. Capitol Ave, Lansing.
Hosted by Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) from 6 – 8 p.m., individuals can meet and socialize with refugees and members of the resettlement community while receiving tours of the newly renovated CADL Downtown Branch, tasty refreshments from Aladdin’s, and children’s activities. To-go boxes are available for consumption after sunset.
Thursday, June 22
Garden Tour and Potluck
Riddle School Garden, 221 Huron St, Lansing
Organized by the NorthWest Initiative,this garden tour and potluck will be at the Riddle School Garden from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Friday, June 23
Peace Pole Unveiling and Press Conference
Casimir Parish, 815 Sparrow Ave, Lansing
St. Vincent Catholic Charities has partnered with St. Casimir Parish to install a Peace Pole on their campus. The intent of the Peace Pole is to bring together immigrants, refugees and U.S. born community members in a spirit of unity. A press conference will begin at 11 a.m. on the front steps of St. Casimir and will feature representatives from St. Vincent Catholic Charities, the Diocese of Lansing and St. Casimir Church.
Download the Welcoming the Stranger 5k flyer and the 2017 World Refugee Awareness Week flyer.
Participating Hosts:
St. Vincent Catholic Charities, The Global Institute of Lansing, First Presbyterian Church, Samaritas, The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, Ingham County Health Department, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Capital Area District Libraries, NorthWest Initiative, St. Casimir Parish