How to Celebrate World Refugee Day in Owensboro, KY
World Refugee Day is coming up on Thursday, June 20th. Two days later, on Saturday, June 22nd, there is a big celebration planned in Owensboro, Kentucky. Here in Daviess County, we are now the proud new home to over 4000 refugees and the International Center of Owensboro is rallying community members to join in the festivities to celebrate their contributions to our area.
According to Diane Ford, the Executive Director of the International Center, "This event is an opportunity for all of our local refugees and community partners to gather together and honor the thousands of refugees still displaced in camps around the world and celebrate those thriving in our community today."
An example of how they're thriving is the employment partnership with Berry Global in Evansville. Berry is currently employing over 115 refugees living here in Owensboro and the company is providing transportation services to those workers for every shift, seven days a week. 95% of the clients at The International Center of Owensboro are employed within four months of their arrival.
To get ready for the big weekend celebration, The International Center of Owensboro is accepting donations. Part of Saturday's event includes door prizes for the refugees in attendance. Staff are requesting items such as bikes (which some adults use to get to work, etc.), televisions, washers and dryers, sporting equipment, vacuum cleaners and other household items. These items are essential in the relocation process for many families that come to town.
If you are interested in making a donation, you can contact dianef@wkrmaa.org.
The International Center of Owensboro is located at 102 West 9th Street. The mission is simple- to reunite, rebuild and resettle.
Here's the official flier for Saturday's events, which begin with a soccer game at Kentucky Wesleyan College's Steele Stadium.
The afternoon event (at 1010 Allen Street) is open to the public and you're invited to come learn more about the program, meet some of our brand new friends and neighbors, and enjoy an introduction to our amazing cultural exchange.
More From WBKR-FM
