On Thursday, 15 March, StFX for SAFE, the student society dedicated to supporting SAFE and refugee work, put on a fundraiser called, Songs for Syria. The event was a wonderful night of songs, dancing, and good company. With admission by donation and a 50/50 raffle, we raised over $500 which will go towards the sponsorship of new families in our communities. The event also showcased the various items up for auction as an additional fundraiser. The Auction continues until March 29th through the SAFE Auction Facebook group. Anyone who is not on Facebook can see the top bids on our online document, and can make bids by contacting [email protected].

On Tuesday, February 27, a crowd gathered for the SAFE annual general meeting and to hear a keynote presentation by CBC reporter Natasha Fatah. Fatah, known for her column Minority Report, gave her presentation over Skype on the heart-wrenching stories of refugees all over the world who seek asylum in Canada. Her presentation covered experiences throughout the world, but also touched on the ongoing crisis in Syria, and commented on the particularly difficult situations that women face. She wrapped up by praising the work that SAFE and other groups in Canada have done, and encouraged the continuation of such work.

In addition to the keynote, the meeting included some general updates on the work SAFE has done the past year, information about the committees, and a chance to try wearing a hijab! The addition of sweet treats made by Rabiaa Al Zhouri made for a very memorable evening.

On Tuesday, January 9th, four StFX students spoke in a TedX style presentation on their personal experiences, journeys, and thoughts on the theme 'Hope and Education'. The four speakers were Kristian Rasenburg, Majd Al Zhouri, Farhiyo Salah, and Tamara Cremo.  The event was a great success and worked to raise awareness for the Student Refugee Bursary Project. Congratulations to all speakers!
​
الطلاب يتحدثون عن الأمل والتعليم
 
يوم الثلاثاء، الموافق 9 يناير، تحدث أربعة طلاب من جامعة StFX  في طريقة العرض TedX  موضحين تجاربهم الشخصية، والرحلات، والأفكار حول موضوع "الأمل والتعليم". المتحدثون الأربعة هم كريستيان راسينبيرغ، مجد الزهوري، فرحيو صلاح، وتمارا كريمو. وقد كان هذا الحدث ناجحا بشكل كبير وعمل على رفع مستوى الوعي لمشروع منحة الطلاب اللاجئين. تهانينا لجميع المتحدثين!
​

On Friday December 8, 2017, SAFE was one of three groups awarded the Nova  Scotia Human Rights Award for their efforts to refugee sponsorship and resettlement. We are honored to have received this recognition, and want to emphasize the efforts of both key individuals as well as the support of the broader community who have been the core of the work done. We applaud everyone who has contributed and look forward to continued work.

​​The plaque awarded is hanging in the People's Place Library, a community gathering place and newcomer welcome centre which has been important to the process.