Catholic Charities of Buffalo, the International Institute of Buffalo, Journey’s End Refugee Services, and Erie County invite the public to join a Virtual Run / Walk / Roll to recognize World Refugee Day on Sunday, June 20, 2021.
The event organized by The Center, Utica, will raise awareness and funds to support these local agencies and refugee resettlement agencies across New York State. These agencies provide direct services to thousands of our most vulnerable, as well as build community, support resiliency and honor the innate dignity of all human beings with their work every day. Partner agencies include:
The Center, Utica
Catholic Charities of Buffalo
Catholic Family Center, Rochester
International Institute of Buffalo
Journey’s End Refugee Services, Buffalo
CSI Refugee Center, Idaho
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Albany
Observed every year, World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to honor the courage of refugees and recognize their resilience in building new lives in communities throughout the United States. Although the event cannot be held in person this year, a virtual walk/run/roll will be hosted that will allow people to participate from across New York State, as well as anywhere in the world.
A Walk in Their Words will provide participants the opportunity to listen to refugee and immigrant audio stories during the virtual walk/run and hear the personal experiences and journeys of individuals from many different regions of the world. Some of these stories will feature refugees and immigrants settled by Catholic Charities’ Immigration and Refugee Assistance Program.
“This collaborative virtual walk is a perfect opportunity to learn more about our refugee and immigrant brothers and sisters, not only across the globe, but right here in Buffalo. We’re proud to again be part of this important effort, and we encourage the community to join in and be inspired by their stories,” said William Sukaly, director of Catholic Charities’ Immigration and Refugee Assistance Program.
All proceeds from the event will support the partner agencies, who have all been impacted by the current COVID-19 health crisis.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of A Walk in Their Words for a second year, and to collaborate with partner organizations across New York State, as well as national partners like Chobani Greek Yogurt, whose CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya will share his own refugee story with registrants,” says Eva Hassett, executive director of the International Institute of Buffalo.
For a $30 minimum donation, individuals can participate from anywhere:
· Walk or run on your treadmill
· Take a walk or run in your neighborhood
· Run in the park, but please be sure to follow all County or State regulations, as well as the CDC’s guidelines of social distancing.
Participants will receive a virtual gift bag with their registration. Go to www.awalkintheirwords.org for more information and to register for the event.
A Walk in Their Words is one of several World Refugee Day celebrations being held this year, please visit World Refugee Day WNY at www.wrdwny.org for information about other local virtual events.
