Ebeneezer helps open doors to Syrian refugees

December 2, 2015 · 0 Comments

There are some messages that are so beautifully crafted, they bear repeating.
That’s the opinion of Caledon’s Official Town Crier, local actor Andrew Welch. So when he was approached to recreate his one-man dramatic rendition of Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol to raise funds for the Syrian refugees, he immediately jumped at the opportunity.
St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Orangeville will host a spell-binding two hours of suspense, Christmas magic, extraordinary characters and captivating energy Dec. 14.
All proceeds will go to two established local charities that are actively supporting refugees. Brian Logel, Chair of the Headwaters Refugee Sponsorship Committee, said the funds from the Orangeville show will go directly to a Syrian family of four coming to Canada from Jordan.
“Their paperwork is complete and they are awaiting security clearance,” he said. “Now the group is fundraising to support the family’s needs for one year.”
Welch’s ambitious goal is fill the church and raise at least $2,000. So why an admission at the door of only $5?
“I really want this show to be accessible to families and the whole community,” he said. “It also allows people to make significant donations that can be recognized with a tax receipt, if desired. I believe generosity inspires generosity in return.”
Welch is no stranger to this international effort. As a member of the Red Cross Disaster Management team, he is awaiting imminent deployment to manage the processing of the 10,000 refugees expected to arrive in Canada before the end of the year.
“A lot of people in our community have been asking how they could help,” said the actor, who has performed this show to great acclaim in Canada and the U.S. for years. “Here’s a way to start, and to learn a bit more about what’s needed.”
A second show will take place at Erin United Church Dec. 16, where it has become an annual fundraising tradition.
St. Mark’s Anglican Church is at 5 First Ave., Orangeville; Erin United Church is at 115 Main St., Erin, and both performances begin at 7 p.m.