We are taught from an early age:

it is better to give than to receive.

But do we really believe it? And if doing good for others is only human, why do we only do it for some, and why don't we do it more? So many people at home and beyond need help — where do we begin, and how?

Join us as a lineup of exciting speakers — inventors, tech leaders, young refugees and more — cut through the information-overload of modern life to shine a light on how altruism and kindness can create meaningful impact in your life, your work and your community. Their powerful stories will energize you to reflect, question and engage in new ways.

Our keynote speaker for the evening is Jim Estill, a CEO, entrepreneur and philanthropist who personally sponsored 58 Syrian refugee families. Jim will share why he was moved to invest more than $2 million of his own money into giving complete strangers a new home, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Additional speakers include the Hon. Ahmed Hussen, who will speak about the unkindness of strangers and the importance of inclusion, social entrepreneur and Queen's Young Leaders Award recipient Midia Shikh Hassan and Hala Baltahji, student and former refugee, who will talk about what she learned about kindness — and herself — when she had to pack her whole life into one bag and flee her home.

Our Honorary Chair for the evening is author and broadcaster Mark Sutcliffe, and proceeds will support Refugee 613's Podcasting Project, a pilot initiative to bring information and practical advice on the Canadian financial system to refugee newcomers via their smartphones.

Program

• Doors open at 6 pm to the newly renovated Fourth Stage

• Seating is bistro-style, no reservations

• Cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres

• Silent auction

• One 20-minute intermission

About Us

Refugee 613 provides innovative information and connection services to help refugee newcomers and the wider Ottawa community navigate services and strengthen belonging. We help build a welcoming community where everyone can thrive by convening working groups and online communities, hosting events and generating digital content to fill key information gaps for newcomers and old hands alike.

Created in 2015 by a coalition of frontline service providers and volunteers in settlement, health and refugee sponsorship, Refugee 613 is led by a small, dynamic team and hosted by the registered charity OCISO.

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsor!