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UGDSB launches fundraiser for local Syrian newcomers

For Immediate Release
November 1, 2016

GUELPH, Ontario – The Upper Grand District School Board has been pleased to welcome almost 75 Syrian newcomer students into our schools since last January. Currently, we are seeking support from the community in a board wide fundraising initiative to help Syrian newcomers settle into our schools and community.

UGDSB has partnered with Orca Book Publishers to raise funds by selling their newly published book entitled, Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Canadian children’s author Margriet Ruurs through school and board websites. For every book that is sold through the board or school websites, Orca will donate $10 to local settlement agencies to support Syrian refugees.

This unique picture book was inspired by the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr, who was discovered by chance by Ruurs. She was immediately captivated by the strong narrative quality of Badr’s art, and, using many of Badr’s already-created pieces, she set out to tell a story about the Syrian refugee crisis. Stepping Stones tells the story of Rama and her family, who are forced to flee their once peaceful village to escape the ravages of the civil war raging in their homeland. With only what they can carry on their backs, Rama and her family set out to walk to freedom. Badr’s stunning stone images illustrate the story. This book is a dual-language (English and Arabic) edition.

For more information and to order Stepping Stones, click here.

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Media contact:
Heather Loney, Communications and Community Engagement Officer
Upper Grand District School Board
519-822-4420 ext.725
[email protected]

Categories: News