 The Portland community came together on Saturday, June 21st to honor the resilience and courage of refugees throughout the world at the 2nd Annual Footsteps to Freedom - World Refugee Day Walk. Refugees from all over the world, staff from LCS and other local agencies, as well as members of the general public took part in the 5K walk around Portland’s South Park Blocks. A resource fair, featuring speakers, music and crafts, took place before, during and after the walk.
The Portland area has become home to many refugees from all over the world, including Burma, Somalia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Burundi, Rwanda, Vietnam, Bhutan, Tanzania, Eritrea and Eastern Europe. Each of these individuals has experienced a “journey to freedom”, escaping warn-torn homelands, genocide, oppression or persecution, to begin a new life of hope in America. The United Nations’ World Refugee Day is celebrated every year in June to commemorate and honor the 9 million refugees present in our world today.
The Footsteps to Freedom Walk was co-sponsored by Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Catholic Charities and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon/SOAR (Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees). The agencies assist refugees coming to the Portland area in resettling successfully in their new homes - providing education, employment training and family support to help them become self-sufficient. Proceeds from the walk benefited refugee resettlement services provided by all three agencies.
Thanks to everyone who made this event a success. |
