March 3: Business and economics students help support Syrian student refugees

When the University of Guelph chose to sponsor two Syrian student refugees, undergraduate student Angela Sweeney knew she needed to be involved. Sweeny, who is majoring in International Development (BA) with a concentration on business and economics, is chair of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).  On March 7, the WUSC and the Multi-Faith Resource Team are partnering to host the Gryphons Care Dinner, with the goal of raising $30,000 to support the student refugees. The dinner will be held at Peter Clark Hall and will feature authentic Syrian vegetarian cuisine and entertainment. 

Students from across the University are collaborating to host this event, including students from the College of Business and Economics.

"I am proud to be part of in this initiative," says marketing management student Rachael Carrick - a member of WUSC. "The University of Guelph has always pushed past racial and political barriers and taken a stand for what they believe is right. I'm really proud to help in any way I can."

Carrick has helped WUSC promote the charitable dinner.

If you would like to attend the charity dinner and support the University’s Syrian refugees, visit the registration webpage or Alumni House to purchase tickets.

Date: March 7, 2016

Time: 5:30pm--Reception; 6:00pm--Dinner

Location: Peter Clark Hall, University Centre

Ticket Price: $50--Regular; $25--Student

Tickets can be purchased online at or in person at Alumni House (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:45pm). 

To reach our fundraising goal of $30,000, we would like to challenge everyone to do some crowd-funding to raise $100 or more before even attending the event.  Once you've purchased your dinner ticket, talk to your friends and family who are unable to attend the event and ask them for a donation that you can bring with you to the dinner. This is a great way for your family and friends to support this initiative if they're unable to join us!  Ten friends at $10 each is a great way to ensure that our fundraising efforts will be successful.  (Donations over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt)

Seating Reservations: All seating for the dinner will be open, and guests will be encouraged to find a seat at the event.  If, however, you would like to sit with specific people, even if you don't have a full table of 10, simply e-mail uofgrefugeedinner@gmail.com and our student volunteers will arrange a table for you.