I just wanted to thank everyone who has donated already, and looking forward to hopefully seeing you on the road again soon. If there is someone you think may be interested in this fundraiser, please let them know about it!
This is part of our outreach partnership with our Refuge/Sanctuary project, recordings that celebrates the incredible contributions of refugees and new immigrants to Canada and the U.S. You can learn more about our recording here https://spark.adobe.com/page/nTMPzB2pbSPyP
Peace, Chris
REFUGE PROJECT: Addressing the struggles of life on Mother Earth has always inspired Toronto-based quintet, Sultans of String. On their visionary seventh and eight albums, Refuge and Sanctuary, Sultans of String bring their unique brand of musical synergy and collaboration to bear on 13 songs that speak to the challenges facing the world’s displaced peoples--their stories, their songs, their persistence and their humanity.
Joined by an international cast, some of whom are recent immigrants to North America, the celebrated quintet immerses themselves in the plight of the international refugee, and the humanitarian response that should greet everyone in search of a home.
“This project is centered around the positive contributions of refugees and new immigrants to U.S.A. and Canada,” says bandleader Chris McKhool (ancestral name Makhoul), whose Lebanese grandfather stowed away on a ship bound for North America a century ago.
“We’re collaborating with special guests on the album who are newcomers to this land, Indigenous artists, as well as global talents who have been ambassadors for peace. We wish to celebrate the successes of those who make the journey here and bring their extraordinary talents with them. We hope the conversations we can have as musicians will provide a model for peace that will inspire our politicians and citizens.”
Helping refugees is a cause we care about deeply because almost 80 million forcibly displaced people worldwide are in desperate need of our support. They have every right to live a safe and dignified life as much as we do! By supporting us with this meaningful cause, you will help me meet our goal to provide life-saving assistance to refugees all over the world through UNHCR.
UNHCR provides shelter, food, water, medical care and other survival aid to those who were forced to flee their homes to escape violence or persecution. By donating to our page, you are helping UNHCR reach even more people. Every bit counts!
The process is fast, easy, and secure. Your contribution will make a huge difference in the lives of refugees. Not to mention that your donation is 100% tax deductible.
COVID-19 has challenged fundamental aspects of our lives.
The strength of our health systems, the resilience of our economies, our social and professional relationships, our ability to move around, our access to basic needs including food and shelter…
As the virus spread across the world, more and more states implemented measures to contain its spread – including limiting movement between and within countries. By late May, the number of countries imposing border restrictions with no exceptions for those seeking asylum had peaked at 100.
Yet closed borders have reduced the ability to exercise that right. Refugees and asylum-seekers are now at even higher risk of detention, discrimination and refoulement. Some are being sent back to face the very dangers they were trying to escape.
Of course, states have the right to manage their territories and borders, and during a pandemic it is understandable they will take extra measures to limit the spread of the virus. But many countries have shown it is possible to maintain access to asylum and protection procedures despite such restrictions.
“Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.” — Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 14 (1)
Thank you so much for being a helping hand!
This video says it all... Visit unhcr.ca for more information on the work UNHCR does for refugees.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/95cc3b65d9264cf3b80fffef0daa0358
