It is with joy and thankfulness that we at Umoja recognize the astounding support and contribution by all those who were in attendance at the Umoja Gala 2019: A Night in the Serengeti.
We would like to again acknowledge and appreciate our event sponsors: Civic Hotel, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey Honda, Vancity and AAJ Media. It was truly an evening that was not made possible without their contribution and support. As well we’d like to acknowledge the support of Douglas College and Envision Financial allowing us to work with Ana and Mariana, two digital marketing professionals, who have greatly supported Umoja over this past year and for the gala.
Umoja is committed to continue being a strong force in the Surrey community to support newcomer immigrants and refugees in gaining the valuable services and supports needed to not just survive in their community, but THRIVE. The event was held in the heart of surrey centre, with amazing food, entertainment provided by the Acholi Dance Group, impassioned speeches and a silent auction.
The success of Umoja is not determined by any one individual, rather the collective desire to help, affect change and take action by the broader community. It is because of this community effort that Umoja was able to raise $25,000 dollars to better support our initiatives and programs!! In Swahili ‘Umoja’ means United as One, and truly it is because of this ‘Umoja’ mentality and collective solidarity that means newcomer children, youth and families are able to feel welcomed, engage in life changing services, and further contribute to their community.
With a huge amount of gratitude and appreciation, Umoja would like to say thank you to all those who contributed and invested in their community, because of you, lives are changed.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year!!!
Everything you need to know about this special and memorable event!
We are so excited to announce Umoja’s Gala next month! Civic Hotel in Surrey will be hosting the event for the second year. Previous years galas were successful and we are hoping to be even more triumphant this year. Check out the highlights of the previous year for a taste of what a Night in the Serengeti has in store for 2019.
A Night in the Serengeti 2018 was a success! People from across the community joined in the event and provided such wonderful support. Umoja is very honored to have been positively impacted through this event, it really helps the team to continue doing the work!
Umoja’s development director, Jamie Kopp, impressions about last year’s gala: “It was awesome to see people meeting each other and enjoying their time together while learning more about the important work of Umoja.” Gala attendees showcased great sense of community support and solidarity. Umoja expected to raise $10,000 for its programs, and fortunately, our generous donors helped us reach our target.
“There were so many special moments and one that pops out to me is after we showed the video of a mom and daughter who received services from Umoja, their story of hope, determination and resilience left the room inspired while eliciting a standing ovation for the family. It was a powerful moment of solidarity and appreciation and acknowledgement for the stories of all those who come to Canada, hoping to build a life for themselves and their families.” – Jamie Kopp.
We are hoping that more people would like to support by sponsoring the event and donating to this important cause. Attending the Umoja Gala is one way to be in community, to better understand your neighbor, to gain insight into what it means to be a newcomer and how influence for good, can do amazing things in people’s lives. Each person’s presence at the Umoja Gala is an important piece of an intricate puzzle that provides the support and resources necessary for newcomer families to not just survive, but to thrive.
Ready to support and have an amazing night? A Night in the Serengeti 2019 will be on October 26th at the Civic Hotel in Surrey. Guarantee your tickets now at https://umojagala2019.brownpapertickets.com/ or if you are interested in sponsoring the event send an email to [email protected]
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