World Refugee Day Celebration at Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield on June 29

Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM) joins the United Nations in its annual salute to the courage of refugees on World Refugee Day 2013. World Refugee Day is an occasion to turn our thoughts to the millions of people around the world who have no choice but to leave their homes because of persecution and conflict. It is also an occasion to reflect on what we can do to help refugees rebuild their lives in Massachusetts.

In 2012, more than 2,200 new refugees arrived in Massachusetts, including hundreds of people from countries such as Bhutan, Burma, Iraq, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Coming to the United States gives refugees an opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, caring society free from the fear of persecution and war. With help from organizations like RIM, they develop skills that enable them to become self-sufficient. 

On Saturday, June 29th, the RIM Refugee Week Walk will be held at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield to show care and active concern for refugees and displaced people living in Eastern Massachusetts.  The Walk is a public event to raise awareness about issues related to refugees, asylum seekers, and asylees on both a global and local scale. It is scheduled to coincide with worldwide events celebrating World Refugee Day on June 20. The Walk will also showcase the impact of RIM’s programs and provide walkers with an opportunity to be engaged as global citizens.

100% of the funds raised for the Refugee Week Walk will go towards supporting RIM programs that help refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers. RIM is an interfaith, community-based non-profit organization based in Malden, MA. Since its founding in 1986, RIM has served thousands of clients in Eastern Massachusetts.

The Refugee Week Walk provides an opportunity for friends and families to walk together and support RIM, while also enjoying the beauty of Lake Quanapowitt. For more information and to register for the Walk online, go to www.r-i-m.net. Registration is $25 and includes a free t-shirt and a chance to win a door prize. Those unable to attend the walk may walk in spirit by making a donation via RIM’s website. Events will start at 10 AM at the Gazebo near Lake Quannapowitt.

Please consider supporting World Refugee Day: whether it is by walking or donating to RIM’s Refugee Week Walk at Lake Quannapowitt on June 29th; or by simply remembering that many in the U.S. faced similar journeys in the not too distant past. Protecting those fleeing persecution has contributed to make America what it is today.