CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN FOR SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY HAS ITS ROOTS AT BISHOP’S UNIVERSITY
 

CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN FOR SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY HAS ITS ROOTS AT BISHOP’S UNIVERSITY

Dr. Murray, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science at Bishop’s University, is launching a crowdfunding campaign to save a Syrian family trapped in the war-torn country.

Dr. Murray first met the Edelby family when she visited Syria in 2010. She befriended the eldest son, George, during a tour. Since then, the country has spiraled into a years-long civil war that has created the biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War.

‘‘George, his father and his sister are currently living in Aleppo,’’ says Dr. Murray. ‘‘They are desperately looking for a way to leave the country and come to Canada. My goal for this campaign is to raise $40,000, which would cover the cost of travel, shelter, food and settlement in Canada for the first year.’’

Dr. Murray is calling on people in the Eastern Townships community to raise funds for the campaign.

Dr. Murray launched her campaign during a teach-in session on the conflict in Syria, which was open to all students on campus. Students learned about the causes of the ongoing war in Syria, ISIS and how the war is affecting the Syrian people, as well as the country’s important archaeological legacy. Students also heard from George Edelby directly thanks to a live webcast.

‘‘I urge everyone – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the people in Sherbrooke – to be generous and participate in this campaign. Like so many families stuck in Syria, George’s family needs our help to leave the country and start over.’’

To find out more about the campaign, please visit their web page on FundRazr.

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Contact: Chantal Sneath
Communications Officer
Bishop’s University
csneath@ubishops.ca
819-822-9600, extension 2840