This article originally appeared in the Fall 2016 edition of The Beacon.

A year ago, Xaverians set out to raise funds for Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace (SAFE), one of three local groups set up to help settle Syrian refugees. In our first year, we raised $50,000. It is attached to a SAFE sponsorship application for a family living in a United Nations (UN) refugee camp.

Thanks to tremendous local outreach and generosity, and the ambitious federal Syrian sponsorship initiative, six Syrian families now live in Antigonish Town and County.

Sadly, the Syrian conflict continues. More than 11 million Syrians are displaced instead and outside Syria. The death toll has surpassed 400,000 with 50,000 children among the lives lost. UN initiatives for peace have gone nowhere and little is being done to help Syrians trapped in war zones. For these reasons, StFX for SAFE is promoting Peace for Syria this year. We encourage you to consider signing our online petition at: https://www.change.org/p/justin-trudeau-give-peace-a-chance-in-syria

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HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT STFX FOR SAFE:

If you are able to make a private donation to the local SAFE Society (CRA Charitable Number 80994 5561), please follow the instructions below:

1) Send an email bank transfer to [email protected] from your online banking site. This requires sending a second email with the answer to the security question, as required for this type of transaction.

2) Mail a cheque to SAFE, 204 Kirk Place, 219 Main Street, Antigonish, Nova Scotia,
B2G 2C1.

Please note the StFX for SAFE campaign and provide your address if you would like an income tax receipt (provided for donations over $20). Please donate as generously as you can — the need is great!