Floating lantern festival to benefit refugees

Floating lantern festival to benefit refugees

(Kyle Nishioka)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Floating lanterns will fill the Sugarhouse Park pond Tuesday as locals release them along with their commitments to action in an effort to help refugees.

Cotopaxi — a local outdoor gear and apparel company — created the #JustLikeUs campaign in an attempt to raise awareness about the refugee crisis with a goal of culminating it in the lantern festival, according to Cotopaxi chief impact officer Lindsey Kneuven.

The campaign is about creating a moment to demonstrate compassion and inclusion for the refugees globally, Kneuven said. The company is partnering with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for the event.

"I think Utah has a very inclusive culture and a culture of compassion, and I think that's the message we're trying to convey," Kneuven said. "I think right now the national dialogue is pretty heavy and contentious, and I think it's nice to step back, especially around the holidays with the spirit of giving and the spirit of compassion, to really reflect on how we can help build a stronger, more inclusive community."

At the festival, the community will have a moment to reflect on how it can make a difference through a commitment to action. Participants will join together to write those commitments on the lanterns and release them in a gesture of solidarity, Kneuven said.

Cotopaxi has a commitment to the refugee population and has a focus on poverty alleviation for its global giving.

The company has a skills-based volunteer program focused on computer science education for refugee youth and is currently working with the Burmese community. They are scaling the program to reach more youth from different communities in 2016, Kneuven said.

(Photo: International Rescue Committee)
(Photo: International Rescue Committee)

During the festival, Patrick Poulin with the IRC and Syrian refugee Qutaiba Idlbi will address the audience. Also at the festival will be a tented gallery showing images that represent the atrocities happening in Syria, Kneuven said.

The floating lantern festival will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on "Giving Tuesday" at Sugarhouse Park. Onsite registration will begin at 6 p.m.

Participants may donate $20 for a lantern during onsite registration or before the event online. Those who register beforehand will need to provide a proof of donation before receiving a lantern.

Those who cannot attend the event can also donate online and include a message they would like to put on the lantern so a volunteer can release it.

All the proceeds will benefit the IRC's relief, rebuilding and long-term resettlement efforts.

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