5 December 2022 News Releases
Outspoken advocate and champion of human rights, Lieutenant-General The Honorable Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d.), was in Greater Sudbury Thursday, May 25, 2017 to present a keynote address as part of a fundraiser for local refugee initiatives.
The sold out event, presented by Huntington University, aims to raise awareness about global refugee issues. It also shined the spotlight on the work being done locally by Lifeline Sudbury, a non-denominational umbrella group that works with various refugee sponsoring groups across Greater Sudbury to facilitate the sponsorship and resettlement process.
“Having worked in refugee camps in various parts of the world I’ve witnessed first-hand the tragic and complex reasons refugees are forced to flee their homes and countries for their safety,” stated Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University and Chair of Lifeline Sudbury’s 2017 awareness and fundraising campaign. “We are extremely proud to present General Dallaire as they keynote speaker for this event in an effort to raise awareness about this complex issue and how average citizens can help.”
“Thirty-one years ago, I came to Canada from Lebanon as a sponsored student on a scholarship. I vividly remember the culture shock and how difficult it was to adjust to a completely different life,” explained Abbas Homayed, Vice-President /Publisher of Northern Life/Sudbury.com. “The work of Lifeline Sudbury and its volunteers is vital to ensuring a smooth transition for the refugee families who arrive in our community and we, as an organization, are proud to support such a worthwhile local initiative.”
“We extend a heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsor, Huntington University, and to Northern Life and Sudbury.com, our media sponsors, for shining the spotlight on this important cause. Locally, our volunteer groups have worked tirelessly to raise the funds needed to sponsor refugee families and bring them to our city. But the work doesn’t end once the plane lands at the airport,” said David Courtemanche, Lifeline Sudbury Chair. “Thanks to the proceeds from events like this one, Lifeline Sudbury and its volunteers will be able to ensure refugee families in Greater Sudbury have the supports needed to make the resettlement process, and the start of their new lives as Canadians, a success.”
Roméo Dallaire is a retired Canadian Senator and a retired Canadian Army Lieutenant-General. During his distinguished military career, General Dallaire commanded the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Rwanda prior to and during the 1994 genocide. His courage and leadership during this ill-fated mission has earned him recognition, affection, and admiration from around the globe. He is author of two best-selling books: Shake Hands with the Devil – the Failure of Humanity in Rwanda and They Fight Like Soldiers; They Die Like Children – the Global Quest to Eradicate the Use of Child Soldiers.
An Evening with Lieutenant-General, The Honorable Roméo Dallaire (Ret’d.), is proudly presented by Huntington University in support of Lifeline Sudbury. The event is also supported locally by Northern Life and Sudbury.com (media sponsors), Rainbow District School Board (education sponsor), Science North (venue sponsor), as well as Friends of Lifeline Sudbury sponsors: CIBC, Jiffy Lube and City of Lakes Family Health Team.
News Coverage
Event Photos