Talent show a great way ‘to express solidarity’ with refugees, Hospitality House director says

Students at West Kildonan Collegiate performed Tuesday to raise money for a family of refugees who arrived in Winnipeg last month. (CBC)

High school students hit the stage Tuesday night to raise money for a family of Somali refugees who arrived in Winnipeg in January.

Proceeds from the talent show at West Kildonan Collegiate will go to Hospitality House, a not-for-profit that helps newcomers to Manitoba get settled. The organization sponsored a family of 11 to move to Winnipeg just over a month ago.

Karin Gordon, Hospitality House executive director, said the talent show was a great way for students “to express solidarity” with refugees.

A family of 11 children arrive in Winnipeg on Thursday, Jan. 14, after escaping Saudi Arabia, where they had been hiding for months under the threat of deportation. (CBC)

“It’s an absolute wonderful expression of support by the community and particularly other school communities who have been very helpful,” she said.

Howard Kowalchuk, principal of West Kildonan Collegiate, said students were eager to take part in this year’s show.

“When we announced the talent show, we told kids this was what the cause was for. I think that brought out kids to support that cause,” he said. “Really, anything we can do to help these organizations … and have our kids learn is great.”

Nicholas Odidison performed Whitney Houston’s song “I have nothing.”

The Grade 12 student at West Kildonan Collegiate said the event provided an opportunity for students to welcome refugees to Winnipeg.

“Everyone needs a sense of ‘home.’ I think it’s a good thing the school is doing, helping these refugees … and giving them a nice friend base, a nice support group.”

Gordon said each of the 11 children have now been placed in schools and are actively enrolled in English classes.

Source: CBC News