FARGO, N.D. -- The Fargo-Moorhead International Potluck still will be celebrating World Refugee Day, but will be moving its celebration to a virtual setting this year in light of the threat of the COVID virus.
The International Potluck Advisory Committee announced Friday, June 12, that instead of its live celebration held in previous years, its celebration of World Refugee Day will take place virtually on its website (https://www.fminternationalpotluck.com/) and Facebook page. In the days leading up to the June 20 event, the International Potluck will be posting informative articles, musical performances and other work to both digital platforms.
World Refugee Day, which is annually held on June 20, is hosted by the United Nations Refugee Agency to state that the world supports and stands with refugees. The event is about raising global awareness of global responsibility for refugees, and to honor the courage, strength and determination of people who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.
Now, more than ever, refugees are vulnerable and in need. They are often misunderstood and maligned, and often have very little or nothing of their possessions and little food. In addition, they often have to leave their homes with nothing or with what they can carry. They suffer cold, hunger, trauma, despair, disease, violence and loss. The awareness day is to help public understanding of refugees as well as raising support and help.
Across the world, agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, work tirelessly to help refugees, but with people being made refugees daily, more help and awareness is constantly needed, to ensure that refugees are treated fairly and provided for, rather than being neglected or shunned, and there are projects to re-settle and provide for refugees. World Refugee Day highlights all of this.
The International Potluck’s local celebration will include the celebration of a virtually shared meal, a fundraiser for the Great Plains Food Bank and Emergency Food Pantry, music by local musicians and visual artwork that supporters can print and hang in their windows.
The International Potluck is an ongoing group of community members interested in connecting with others through shared food and stories. Monthly gatherings are scheduled throughout the Fargo-Moorhead community for residents to pair potluck dinners with conversations around culture. All potlucks are free and open to the public, whether they are virtual or in-person events.
For more information, visit the International Potlucks Facebook page and website at https://www.fminternationalpotluck.com/.
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