The work of the International Institute of Buffalo (IIB) can be seen clearly each and every day. As this city continues to rebuild, the efforts of the IIB are more important than ever. The refugees that have resettled in our neighborhoods are contributing to Buffalo’s rebirth in ways that we can not fully measure. The West Side is a melting pot of cultures, and refugee communities will help to lead the way towards repopulating the East Side in years to come.
Each year, the IIB hosts a fundraising event that invites to community to come learn about the organization’s resettlement efforts, while tasting foods from around the world. This event is a way for the refugees to embrace the community (and vice versa) in ways that would not otherwise be possible. This year, the event is being held at The Hotel @ The Lafayette. The hotel will come alive with a cultural showcase of foods and entertainment for one evening. The funds raised at the event will help the IIB to continue on with its mission.
In 2015 the countries IIB resettled refugees from included Burma, Bhutan, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, Iraq and Iran.
Buffalo has been known as one of the most segregated cities in the US for far too long. Now we are starting to see that image changing before our eyes. Not only are we a city that welcomes these refugee communities with open arms, we also provide them with the tools that they need to acclimate and thrive in this city. In the end, we are turning tragic scenarios around the best that we can. This city was built by immigrants. Now it is being bolstered once again by people have come in search of freedom and opportunity. The influx of cultures is helping to build a new Buffalo, day by day.
Buffalo Without Borders 2016
November 3, 2016
6:00-9:00pm
The Hotel @ The Lafayette | 391 Washington Street | Buffalo, New York 14203
Tickets are $40, and can be purchased at IIB