In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, Comox Valley for Palestine organized a winter market in Cumberland on Saturday, raising more than $5,000 to support the Mira Centre, an art therapy and education center for refugee children in Cairo, Egypt. The center relocated to Cairo after sustaining damage in the ongoing bombardment in Gaza.
Art as Rsistance: A Winter Market for Refugee Children
The event, titled Art is Love is Resistance: A Winter Market for Refugee Children, brought together local vendors and community members to contribute to the cause. Organizers ensured that vendors retained 100% of their profits while contributing table fees—calculated on a sliding scale—entirely to the fundraiser. This collaborative model allowed for both fundraising and community support to thrive simultaneously.
An online auction was also launched following the event, set to run until December 18, to raise additional funds. More details are available on Comox Valley for Palestine’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
A Unique Community Effort
Stephanie Abbat-Slater, one of the market organizers, reflected on the community’s dedication to the cause. “What’s unique about the Comox Valley is that it is so community-minded,” she said, highlighting the collective effort that extends beyond local borders. “We’ve even had people from Parksville, Qualicum, and Campbell River come up to attend our meetings.”
Abbat-Slater also shared that the group’s summer fundraiser exceeded expectations, raising over $6,000 for Palestine-related initiatives, further showcasing the region’s commitment to global causes.
Supporting Refugee Children Through Art
The Mira Centre provides art therapy and educational support to children displaced by conflict. This fundraiser aims to sustain the center’s efforts in offering a safe space for healing and learning through creative expression.
One young vendor at the market, Jax, alongside her mother Mary Wisden, showcased handcrafted beaded bracelets under the banner of Thunderbird Beaded Art. Their stall, along with others, embodied the spirit of creativity and compassion that defined the event.
What’s Next?
The ongoing online auction provides an additional opportunity for people to contribute to the Mira Centre. For updates and details, community members are encouraged to visit Comox Valley for Palestine’s social media pages.
The success of the winter market reflects the Comox Valley community’s ability to unite for a meaningful cause, blending local artistry with global impact. Through their efforts, they’ve demonstrated that even small communities can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
