Each year, over 4.5 million people across the world choose tomigrate to a different nation, seeking peace, religious freedom andhope.
Thursday night, in an effort to raise both awareness andproceeds, the International Rescue Committee will host an exclusivesneak preview of the Dallas documentary Not Lost, which highlightsrefugees who have come from Sudan to find safety in NorthTexas.
The funds collected will benefit the IRC Dallas’ refugeeprogram.
“Refugees are often an overlooked cause,” saidLauren Leahy, philanthropy chair for the Delta Delta Deltasorority. Leahy also works as an intern for the IRC.
“These people come from war-torn countries, have livedincredible lives of bravery and sacrifice and deserve help from thecommunity.
“The IRC reaches out in unimaginable ways to provide [therefugees] with food, housing, clothing and the basic necessities oflife until they get on their feet here in America,” shesaid.
An IRC news release describes the organization’s missionby stating, “Founded in 1933 at the request of AlbertEinstein, the International Rescue Committee is one of theworld’s leading non-profit, secular organizations providingemergency relief, rehabilitation, protection, resettlement servicesand advocacy for refugees, displaced persons and those fleeing . .. persecution. At work in more than 30 countries, the IRC iscommitted to freedom, human dignity and self-reliance.”
Leahy said that while her internship is aimed toward theassistance of refugees in need, the personal benefits are alsoinvaluable.
“The best part of the organization is that you get tointeract with so many different cultures,” she said.”One minute you’re working with someone from Sudan, thenext you’re with an Afghan woman and her children. It’san incredible learning experience.”
Janell Lott, a fellow Tri-Delt and IRC volunteer, sharesLeahy’s sentiment.
“My time learning about the IRC has changed my worldview,” she said. “So much goes on in the world that weclose our eyes to here at SMU. I’m proud of my sisters forstepping out of the box.”
Leahy said outside of the film screening, which is co-sponsoredby the Tri-Delt sorority, members of the SMU community have alsosupported the organization.
“Currently, there are approximately 80 SMU volunteersworking with the IRC on a regular basis,” she said.”Multiple professors support the cause, including Dr. RickHalperin, who offers volunteering at the IRC as an alternative to aclass paper. The SMU community has rallied around the event,including professors, students from every school, and staffmembers.”
The preview of Not Lost will cost $20 for adults and $10 forstudents, with proceeds going toward Iraqi, Afghan, Sudanese, andColombian refugees.
The event will include food, drinks and a drawing for prizessuch as a 32-inch television, a day at the spa and beautifulartwork.
The film will begin at 6:30 p.m. this evening at the LatinoCultural Center, located downtown at the corner of Live Oak Streetand Good Latimer Avenue.
For more information, please contact Karla Roberts, publicrelations specialist for the IRC, at (214) 461-9781, ext. 27.
