With passion and purpose, many at UBC Okanagan have stepped up to support the Syrian refugee crisis.
Adnan Bhat, Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) representative and adviser, and International Programs and Services Student Advisor Philipp Reichert have been active since September with a community group that is working hard to bring families to Kelowna.
On Tuesday, December 1, the MSA is launching the Syrian Relief Drive which involves fundraising and collecting medical supplies for refugees in Turkey and Jordan. Medical supplies needed include wheelchairs, crutches, first aid kits, IV sets, medications, and more.
$2,500 has already been raised, but there is also the need for more donations to help with the repayment of the family’s airline tickets to Kelowna and other costs.
Once the Syrian families arrive, MSA members have agreed to help with settling them which includes translation services and finding volunteers.
The on-campus drop-off location is the UBC Students’ Union Okanagan office, with more locations in the community to be announced. This drive has already been launched in Vancouver by the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Aid.
To find out more about the MSA fundraising activities email msa.ubcokanagan@gmail.com or visit: facebook.com/msaubcokanagan
