Join Us for Our
2nd Annual World Refugee Day Block Party
Our 2024 event is outdoors, rain or shine, and includes free family-friendly activities and live multicultural entertainment.
Event partners include the Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg Palestine Coalition, A. Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network, Llah Charity, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the Vietnamese Alliance Church of Harrisburg.
The event's free activities and multicultural entertainment are made possible through sponsorships. Sponsorships are welcomed!
Activities:
- *Music by DJ Rocc B
- *Henna by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
- Bounce Obstacle Course, Dunk Tank and Mist Tent
- Photobooth by Naterpix
- Human-sized Hamster Wheel by Kinetic Kreations
- *Face Painting by Creative Faces- Changing the Way You Look
- *Handmade Toys and Craft Kits (while supplies last) by All Saints Episcopal Church
- *Chess Table Instruction by Mr. Anosov
- *Sidewalk Chalk Mural led by Sidewalk Chalk PA and Hbg. Palestine Coalition
- *Dauphin County Library System- Meet Charlie Cart and Marco the Van
- Baby goat petting by Steinmetz Family Farm
- Visiting animals by Critter Connections
- *Princesses courtesy of Princess Party
- Balloon art by Air Weaver Balloons
- *Duck pond by Daybreak Church
- *Ice Sculpture
- *Book giveaway (while supplies last) by the Capital Region Literacy Council
- *we are grateful to these organizations for providing services for free or a significant discount
Cultural Entertainment by McGinley School of Irish Dance, Sunshine Dance Club, Studio Solomon Drummers and the Sudanese Dance Group.
Food Truck Court: Gio's Sweet Treats, French Street Fare, El Papa de los Pollitos, HalfWay LLC Jamaican Food Stand
We are grateful to our friends: Harrisburg Police, UPMC LifeTeam EMS, and our local fire companies for being a part of our special day.
Event Contact: harrisburg@cwsglobal.org | 717-358-9351
JUNE 20, 2024
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day (WRD) is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20. Refugees are our friends, neighbors and valued community members- teachers, parents, business owners, volunteers, advocates, and sponsors. From the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) website (unhcr.org):
"Whoever they are, people forced to flee should be treated with dignity. Anyone can seek protection, regardless of who they are or what they believe. It is non-negotiable: seeking safety is a human right. Wherever they come from, people forced to flee should be welcomed. Refugees come from all over the globe. To get out of harm’s way, they might take a plane, a boat, or travel on foot. What remains universal is the right to seek safety. Whenever people are forced to flee, they have a right to be protected. Whatever the threat – war, violence, persecution – everyone deserves protection. Everyone has a right to be safe.”
Resettlement: Alaa''s Story
As a Syrian refugee, I left my home back in Damascus in 2011 and lived in Egypt until I came to the US in 2022. I arrived in the USA with four precious children, my heart full of dreams for our new life. For so long, my focus had been on my family and our home, ensuring their safety and well-being amidst the chaos of war and hardship. But now, in this land of freedom and opportunity, I yearn to contribute to the financial stability of my family too.
"The CWS Marketplace, has revitalized my life, igniting a newfound belief in myself and
my abilities. I’m proud to say that my children, who have been my rock throughout this journey, now beam with pride for their mother. With the support of CWS Marketplace, I’m not only nourishing people’s bodies with my food, but I’m also feeding their understanding and acceptance of my culture and family. My dreams are coming true, and the future looks brighter with every meal I serve.”
