MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) is proud to present “An Evening Around the World,” a fundraising dinner where guests will be treated to a diverse away of culinary options and entertainment for an immersive, international perspective.
The fundraiser will take place on Friday, Nov. 15, starting at 5:45 p.m. with doors opening for 5 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church.
“So we have an event called ‘An Evening Around the World’ coming up on Nov. 15, and this is our eighth time hosting this event,” announced Jaella Wiebe, executive director of the MJMC.
Previously called the “International Dinner,” the upcoming event features several individuals from within the community who will donate their time to either cook, entertain, or “to show off the multitude of cultures that we have here in the city.”
“We’re just trying to draw people in to raise awareness about cultures — and to (help promote our) fundraising as well,” Wiebe said.
Attending guests will be treated to a range of food dishes that include Ukrainian perogies, Nigerian Jollof rice, Ethiopian Injera and lentils, Vietnamese beef stew, and Syrian elmali kurabiye. Wiebe, who is herself part of the event’s food committee, said guests can also expect to see a Chinese beef noodle dish and Latin American foods including a Mexican-inspired crispy potato taco.
“I’ve seen pictures of (the taco), and it looks fantastic,” she said. “We’re trying to have a very large variety of the cultures that we have in the city here (as part of the event).”
Entertainment options include Columbian and Kuduro style dance, musical performances from Syria, Vietnam, and Nigeria, as well as other forms of international song and dance.
Ibrahim Hussein, a former Syrian citizen and now a Moose Jaw newcomer, will be one of the entertainers on Nov. 15. “He’s (often) around here at the (MJMC) and he loves investing in the community… and (his show) will be quite fantastic,” she said.
As well, a dance troupe based out of Regina will feature one of the council’s staff members, Slany Ba, and will showcase a wide assortment of dance styles. Marcella Cruz, owner of the Moose Jaw Salsa Club, will also showcase Latin and Columbian belly dancing.
Proceeds will help support local efforts to aid in the settlement and integration of Moose Jaw’s newcomer community. These funds support the council’s ongoing efforts to provide programs and services to newcomers and to directly support immigrants and refugees.
MJMC organizers are also seeking sponsors and volunteers, and donations are now being accepted for the night’s silent auction. If you’re interested in being a part of the evening, contact the MJMC at 306-693-4677 or email [email protected].
Tickets are selling for $35 apiece and can be purchased online at SaskTix.ca or in person at the Moose Jaw Events Centre box office located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.
The price of admission also includes dinner and entertainment throughout the night. Last year’s event sold out around one week prior so Wiebe is reminding everyone to get their tickets well in advance.
For an additional charge, guests can participate in a silent auction, 50/50 draw, and can also enjoy a Sudanese coffee experience and receive a henna tattoo.
“I think the number one reason (to attend the event) is to not only invest in the community, but to see what the community is offering as well,” Wiebe said. “(You can) see all of the amazing opportunities out there and try something different.”
To learn more about the work done by the MJMC, visit MJMCInc.ca or call 306-692-0533.
St. Andrew’s United Church is home to the MJMC and is located at 60 Athabasca Street West.
