Supper with Syria fundraiser raises money for refugees

As Canada works toward bringing in 25,000 Syrian refugees by next March, manyTorontonianscame out toa special eventdesigned tomake things a little easier for everyone involved.

The Supper with Syria fundraiser took place Sunday atArtscape Wychwood Barns on Christie Street with a goal ofenjoying some Syrian food and raising$70,000 to help settle two fleeing families of five.

"This is a real exchange. It's a party of equals. It's brotherhood," said organizer Inna Gertsberg."I think that's why this event is so important. It's one-of-a-kind that way. It sets up that we're for Syria. We're not treating refugees as victims, we're treating them as brothers."

Not only did organizers meet expectations with the dinner, they shattered them.

Five hundred tickets were sold and some who showed up hoping for a seat wereturned awaydue to lack of space.In total, approximately $100,000 was raised at the event, which meansa thirdfamily this one with four Syrians will be sponsored in Toronto's Ward 21.

Mayor John Tory called the event "heartwarming" on Twitter. Othersin attendance includedOntario Health Minister Eric Hoskins, Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett, Coun. Joe Cressy, Coun. Joe Mihevc and Coun. Justin Di Ciano.

Diners enjoyeda wide variety ofMiddle Eastern food available at the event, ranging from lentil stew to Syrian-inspired burgers.

Mihevicsaidthe generosity shown by those in attendance speaks volumes about the feelings of compassion and solidarity expressed by Torontonians toward refugees currentlyin camps.

"[They]just want a better life," he said.