Open Doors for Refugees Hosts August 7th Picnic

Open Doors for Refugees will hold a Community Celebration Picnic, Sunday, August 7, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Olin Park Shelter in Madison. The event is free but donations are welcome to support the organization’s work.

The picnic celebrates the arrival of refugees who have made and are planning to make their home in the Madison-area. Come and share food, games and music. Meet representatives of community-based organizations who are participating in an ongoing effort to welcome refugees.

Picnic Potluck: Nothing says welcome like a food offering. If you can, please bring a dish to pass.

Fun: Water relay; henna painting; parachute fun and games reflecting the diversity of our community.

Music: Live music will be provided by the Oudist Colony.

Open Doors for Refugees is a Madison-based non-profit formed recently to raise awareness of the refugee crisis in Syria and other parts of the globe. Its aim is to build community-wide support for the resettlement of refugees in the Madison area. Madison already has welcomed displaced people from various parts of the world (such as Iraq, Nepal, Somalia), but expects additional refugees in the next several months.

Open Doors for Refugees has sponsored events within the last several months, including Soup for Syria and Desserts for Syria. These events have featured speakers who specialize in emergency medical care, and emotional and mental health services, providing information about the current refugee situation. Open Doors for Refugees fosters community dialogue among Madison-area residents about the refugee experience and strengthens people’s ability and willingness to engage in further action. Open Doors for Refugees is affiliated with the Center for Community Stewardship. For questions please contact OpenDoorsForRefugees@gmail.com.