The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock (UUCSR) will be holding a benefit concert to help support newly arrived Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi refugee families here on Long Island and in New Jersey. The concert—which features renowned Syrian singer GAIDA and her band—will take place on Friday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the UUCSR Worship Room, 48 Shelter Rock Rd. in Manhasset.
All proceeds will go to the Diocese of Rockville Centre Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Services and Church World Service to aid refugees and their families. This effort is spearheaded by UUCSR’s Social Justice CoUUrage to Defy Hate Task Force facilitated by Senior Interim Minister Ned Wight and Social Justice Coordinator Claire Deroche.
UUCSR Senior Interim Minister Ned Wight noted, “The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, in accordance with the principles of Unitarian Universalism, is pleased to sponsor this concert to help raise funds for the resettlement of these refugee families in need here on Long Island and in New Jersey. These are individuals who have very few havens and are, quite often, in desperate circumstances. We extend a warm welcome and hope to make their transition easier and are pleased to work with Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Services and Church World Service in this regard.”
For the past year, members of the Social Justice CoUUrage to Defy Hate Task Force have been actively meeting with congregants and welcoming speakers in order to better understand the needs of these individuals.
In February, Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Director Carmen Maquilon spoke with the congregation about “How We Can Make a Difference.” Volunteers at UUCSR have also been collecting gift cards and much-needed household items, baby items and clothing for these refugee families. Once they undergo an orientation by the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Services, they will then interact with the families in order to provide more individualized assistance.
General admission (adults) is $20; under 18 is $10; tickets at the door are $25. Tickets can be ordered online at www.uucsr.org/GAIDA or call 516 472-2960.
