Local Syrian family and Tavistock Mennonite Church raises funds for Syrians coming to Canada

The large crowd at the recent lunch at Tavistock Mennonite Church. All enjoyed Syrian food that, prepared by the Al Younes family.

There was a fundraising dinner at Tavistock’s Mennonite Church recently, and besides enjoying a menu that included Syrian cuisine that delighted everyone, all those in attendance were proud to be raising money for their church’s Syrian cause.

Rick Cober-Bauman, a longtime church member, brings his experience as an official with the Mennonite Central Committee and talked about the church’s ongoing efforts to help those fleeing the ongoing Syrian conflict.

He said the fundraising dinner was a small but important part of the multi-year commitment to welcome and support refugees fleeing the violent conflict in Syria over the last decade.

“Many people from the Tavistock Mennonite Congregation continue to donate funds directly,” he said. “Having the family come and share their country’s amazing food and tell stories, is a helpful way for more people in the congregation and community to feel connected.”

They also identify with the situation that caused the families to come here in the first place.

Cober-Bauman said they decided to ask Syrian Khaled Al Younes to tell his story because it is a very real and chilling example of how war victimizes children.

“His injuries from an unexploded grenade were a powerful part of motivating the Tavistock Church and area to sponsor his family,” Cober-Bauman said.

Cober-Bauman, who is also a Shakespeare-area farmer himself, wanted to thank not only the people of their own congregation at Tavistock Mennonite Church for taking part in the Syrian meal, and donating generously after hearing the family’s story, but all other friends and neighbours who also came to show support.

The meal netted over $4,500 toward the ongoing cost of supporting the most recent arrivals for one year.

He also offered a huge gratitude to the Al Younes family for their excellent food and kitchen skills that allowed those in attendance to enjoy the very finest of Syrian dining.

Donations to this cause are always appreciated. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Rick Cober-Bauman or the email louiscb3@hotmail.com.