A Big Thank-You From CVRAN!
CVRAN is so lucky to have had the gift of support from local businesses who support our mission to help asylum seekers and refugees. It is so heartening to have this affirmation when there is so much antagonism to this population in the national news.
Recently in the month of February, Montpelier’s Hunger Mountain Coop raised awareness of our work, and funds by having a “round up” campaign at the cash register, and giving us the opportunity to share literature and conversation. (see photo above of our new executive director Alison Zenie tabling at the co-op on her 2nd day on the job). Good conversations were had with customers and staff. In fact one cashier first reported that customers were enthusiastically rounding up, and then came back herself to hear more.
Similarly the Red Hen Restaurant in Middlesex used proceeds from its tip jar in 2024 to send a beautiful check to CVRAN, along with a note of support from CVRAN’s mission. This very week, they are again organizing more support. The Red Hen is advertising a portion of the proceeds of their Friday take-out dinner THIS WEEK will support CVRAN, too. (Check their website for more information.) Another restaurant in Waterbury is considering something similar.
These are not the only businesses which have supported CVRAN. There is Mobitech in Montpelier that quietly helps with costs for phone assistance. There are donations from local banks and other businesses. The City of Montpelier awarded a $100,000 grant to Downstreet for an affordable housing project developed in conjunction with CVRAN for refugee/asylum seeker affordable housing. North Branch Nature Center makes scholarships to its camps available. Central Vermont Adult Education tutors many newcomers in English and helps with studying driver’s licenses and writing resumes. Local health providers often give a significant discount on their services.
Individuals remain one of the backbones of our support. Local artists, poets, musicians, authors, and others are donating views of their artwork for a month to the March Arts Marathon, raising tens of thousands of dollars for CVRAN. Many of you may have donated to our fall fundraiser, perhaps pledged an ongoing monthly amount, and donated hours of your time to helping.
To each restaurant, non-profit, business, or individual who supports asylum seekers and refugees, we thank you.
What a wonderful way to provide welcome!
