The following day, politicians, advocates, and community members with and without refugee background gathered at City Hall for a flag-raising ceremony. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) flag was raised after the reading of a declaration by Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe, marking the 64^th Anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and Canada's responsibility as a signatory to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Mayor Lisa Helps, and Council members Jeremy Loveday and Chris Coleman, also attended the event in show of their support.

During the flag-raising ceremony, ICA staff member Lien Tran shared her personal story about arriving to Canada as a refugee. Lien has been a dedicated Settlement Worker at ICA for over 25 years, and continues to advocate on behalf of refugees:

"Because of my experience, I have a strong commitment to assisting refugee communities in easing their trauma and stress and in helping them establish their new and happy lives, and become contributing members of Canadian society."

Lien's speech served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by refugees and advocates to uphold universal rights associated with protection, safety, and security for all peoples around the world.

Submitted by Meghan Mergaert, Development Manager
 

2014 Ride for Refuge Participants

Last year ICA had over 56 riders join forces and participate in Ride for Refuge. This family fun community event was a huge success, and together we raised over $6,500 for ICA youth services.

Ride with us again, or for the first time, on October 3 in Ride for Refuge. ICA is seeking cyclists of all ages, abilities, and experience to join us in riding and raising funds for immigrants and refugee newcomer youth. Plus, this year Ride for Refuge has introduced a 5 km walk route. ICA, along with other community organizations, is riding and walking together for this family-friendly bike-a-thon to support people that are displaced, vulnerable and exploited, and we need your help!

We are looking for people to participate as: team captains, fundraisers, promoters, riders, walkers, recruiters and volunteers. If you have a passion for supporting people and love to be active, this is the event for you!

Contact Meghan Mergaert, Development Manager at mmergaert@icavictoria.org or 250-388-4728 ext. 143 to learn more. Read more here. 

Submitted by Claire Kelly, Youth Settlement Worker
 

July has been an incredible month filled with summer camps for the newcomer youth of ICA! 

 

ICA Youth Group Participants

            

For the younger youth (8-12 years old), there was the very successful ACE! Summer Camp during the weeks of July 6-10 and 20-24. The youth spent time making art, cooking food, playing tennis, exploring nature at Swan Lake and Witty's Lagoon, and having a great time with leaders Kay, Sandra and Branda. One of the participants described the ACE! camp as "the best camp in the world, awesome and sweet".

 

Throughout the month of July, the older youth (13-18 years old) are enjoying Summer Remix, a day-camp focusing on sports, arts, and exploring the community. Field trips include hiking Mount Pkols (Doug), ice skating and more.....

 

Thanks to our community partner, Power to Be, 6 youth had their first experience camping on the West Coast during a 3-day overnight camping trip to the Juan de Fuca trail. Below is a thank you video to Power to Be, showing some highlights from the trip.