Syrian meal fundraiser brings community together in Tavistock

From left, Rick Cober-Bauman introduces Khaled Al Younes, centre, and his brother, Mustafa Al Younes, during a Syrian meal fundraiser at Tavistock Mennonite Church. The event raised more than $4,500 in support of Syrian refugees. Their father, Mohammed Al Younes, not pictured, is known locally for his work as a stone mason. Photo courtesy of Roy and Mardi Lichti

By Gary West

A recent fundraising dinner at Tavistock Mennonite Church brought together local residents for an evening of Syrian cuisine and community support, raising funds to assist Syrian refugees settling in Canada.

Prepared by members of the Al Younes family, the meal offered attendees an opportunity to enjoy traditional Syrian dishes while learning more about the experiences of families displaced by the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Rick Cober-Bauman, a longtime church member and Mennonite Central Committee representative, spoke during the event about the congregation’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees.

“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,” he said. “Many people from the Tavistock Mennonite congregation continue to donate funds directly.”

Cober-Bauman said inviting the family to prepare and share their food, as well as their story, helps build understanding within the community.

“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,” he said. “They also identify with the situation that caused the families to come here in the first place.”

During the event, Khaled Al Younes shared his personal story, including injuries he suffered from an unexploded grenade during the war in Syria.

“We decided to ask Khaled Al Younes to tell his story because it is a very real and chilling example of how war victimizes children,” Cober-Bauman said. “His injuries were a powerful part of motivating the Tavistock church and area to sponsor his family.”

The dinner raised more than $4,500, which will go toward supporting newly arrived families over the course of their first year in Canada.

Cober-Bauman, who also farms in the Shakespeare area, thanked those who attended and contributed to the fundraiser.

“I want to thank not only the people of our own congregation for taking part in the Syrian meal and donating generously, but also friends and neighbours from the wider community who came out to show their support,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the Al Younes family for preparing the meal.

“They allowed those in attendance to enjoy the very finest of Syrian dining,” he said.

Donations to support the initiative are ongoing. Those interested in contributing can contact Cober-Bauman or email louiscb3@hotmail.com.