Dr. Dean Peachey, UWinnipeg the Executive Director of Global College
The Syrian refugee crisis has dominated international headlines, the global number of displaced people has soared to 59.5 million, and now a team of UWinnipeg students, alumni, faculty and staff is preparing to help. The team is participating in the upcoming Ride for Refuge (https://rideforrefuge.org) in Winnipeg this Saturday, October 3. This organization helps a variety of charities to raise money for people who are displaced, vulnerable, and exploited.
The team’s proceeds will enable refugees to study at UWinnipeg through World University Service Canada (WUSC). The local student-led WUSC chapter usually supports one refugee to study at UWinnipeg each year. In light of the current crisis, UWinnipeg’s Global College has joined forces with WUSC to increase campus participation and raise funds for additional students.
“We are proud of our UWinnipeg team for engaging in this important issue,” expressed Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg. “Each of us can play a part and make a contribution to help the displaced and most vulnerable in this ongoing crisis; every little bit helps!”
“Biking for Refuge is my way of taking small action to raise awareness about Refugee issues,” shared Yulia Senina, WUSC Chair and a UWinnipeg alum. “In the time of despair I remember the quote that Mother Teresa said, ‘Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you’.”
Dr. Dean Peachey, the Executive Director of Global College at UWinnipeg who also teaches in the Human Rights program, is participating in the ride. “I’m pedaling 50 km rain or shine. Like many Canadians, I’ve been disturbed by the current refugee crises in the Middle East and Europe and the causes behind them. Every Canadian can find a way to make her or his response to this problem. This is my way to show I care, to help someone who has lost home and country to get a new start.”
To donate to the UWinnipeg campaign or to sign up to participate please visit http://ride.w-ith.me/UWinnipegWUSC.
