Refugees in Vermont gathered to celebrate World Refugee Day on Sunday.The official day of celebration is on June 20th, but Sunday’s celebration, highlighted new community ties across Vermont.Dozens gathered in Leddy Park to celebrate the “sacrifices” and “hard work” of refugees.The event, hosted by U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants VT included food trucks, music, a mural, and lawn games for families to enjoy.”Thousands before them have walked that path and I know they will find a home in Vermont and feel accepted and embraced by communities across Vermont,” said Amila Merdzanovic, director of U.S. CRI VT.For many the celebration provided an opportunity to strengthen community ties.”Their existences, their stories, their celebrations, their challenges,” said Kenroy Walker, an advocate with Vermont Racial Justice Alliance. “That conversation is what makes this an exciting moment, just getting to know each other, that act of community.”Organizations at the event also provided resources while building relationships with some of Vermont’s newest residents. The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont was also tabling to raise awareness about programs like Crop Cash.” a program where folks with SNAP or 3SquaresVT benefits can spend their benefits at a farmers market and then get extra coupons to spend on local food at the market,” said Johanna Doren, who was tabling for NOFA VT.Plus, Doren said, she is trying to show more appreciation for those who work hard to produce local food.”How important it is to support local farmers and acknowledging that a lot of folks from other countries who have immigrated or come as refugees to Vermont are producers,” said Doren.But Merdzanovic said the most important aspect of the day is recognizing the long road it took for refugees to get here.”This is what makes Vermont beautiful; all of us coming together as neighbors, as community members,” said Merdzanovic.
Refugees in Vermont gathered to celebrate World Refugee Day on Sunday.
The official day of celebration is on June 20th, but Sunday’s celebration, highlighted new community ties across Vermont.
Advertisement
Dozens gathered in Leddy Park to celebrate the “sacrifices” and “hard work” of refugees.
The event, hosted by U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants VT included food trucks, music, a mural, and lawn games for families to enjoy.
“Thousands before them have walked that path and I know they will find a home in Vermont and feel accepted and embraced by communities across Vermont,” said Amila Merdzanovic, director of U.S. CRI VT.
For many the celebration provided an opportunity to strengthen community ties.
“Their existences, their stories, their celebrations, their challenges,” said Kenroy Walker, an advocate with Vermont Racial Justice Alliance. “That conversation is what makes this an exciting moment, just getting to know each other, that act of community.”
Organizations at the event also provided resources while building relationships with some of Vermont’s newest residents.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont was also tabling to raise awareness about programs like Crop Cash.
“[It’s] a program where folks with SNAP or 3SquaresVT benefits can spend their benefits at a farmers market and then get extra coupons to spend on local food at the market,” said Johanna Doren, who was tabling for NOFA VT.
Plus, Doren said, she is trying to show more appreciation for those who work hard to produce local food.
“How important it is to support local farmers and acknowledging that a lot of folks from other countries who have immigrated or come as refugees to Vermont are producers,” said Doren.
But Merdzanovic said the most important aspect of the day is recognizing the long road it took for refugees to get here.
“This is what makes Vermont beautiful; all of us coming together as neighbors, as community members,” said Merdzanovic.
