Fundraiser at LU tonight to bring Syrian refugees to school

Laurentian University is hosting a fashion show fundraiser Friday night to raise money for a pair of Syrian refugees who will attend the school this September.

The school has been participating in a program to bring in refugee students for more than 20 years, and have had students from countries such as Malawi and Thailand take part.

The costs associated with the students' first year of schooling are waived, including tuition and residence.

WUSC (World University Service of Canada ) Laurentian is hoping to bring in $40,000 (or $20,000 for each student) to cover their living expenses for things such as food, clothing, bus passes and books.

“(WUSC) will send us the names of the students in July, but right now we know that we are getting two students from Syria who will be moving to Sudbury to attend Laurentian,” said Yvonne Udowa, acting president, WUSC Laurentian.

“This fashion show is very much embedded in African culture, and we have African designers from Nigeria and Ghana, who now live in Toronto and Ottawa, who will be coming up here for the show and will be auctioning off some of their items to raise money.”

Funds will also be raised through ticket sales, which are $50 for guests and $30 for Laurentian students. The money raised by Laurentian is to help ease the transitions for the students, though it is not a free ride, as the sponsorship is only applicable to their first year of studies.

“We operate under the three E's — education, employment, empowerment,” said Udowa. “We want to get them an education, help them find a job and to feel empowered and that they belong in the community.”

After their first year of schooling, the students can apply for OSAP to assist them financially as they move forward with their education.

Friday night's fashion show is one of a number of fundraisers that the school puts on throughout the year.

“This event is just part of the process, we have other campaign initiatives that are in place every year,” said Udowa.

The fashion show gets underway at 8 p.m. at the Laurentian University Alumni Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at the event's Eventbrite page.

You can also donate online here.