Arts

Global talent, fashion show will benefit Refugee Legal Fund

The Ethiopian Community Development Center (ECDC), the organization that oversees refugee settlement in southern Vermont, is having a fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, featuring local refugee (and other) talent, at the International Center on the School for International Training campus, 1 Kipling Rd.

When Afghan refugees arrived in Brattleboro two years ago, the U.S. government provided funding for legal fees. "However, newly arrived refugees from other countries, such as Eritrea, the Congo, and Yemen, do not have that financial support," organizers said in a news release. "Thus, ECDC has organized this fundraiser."

All money raised will be used to directly support local Vermont refugees getting their green cards. The Refugee Legal Fund will cover legal fees and the cost of high-quality and accurate legal interpretation. It will also help offset the costs of the expensive mandatory medical exam.

The show will feature Afghan traditional music, handmade global fashion, Congolese rap, an interactive traditional Filipino performance, and more. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door on a sliding scale from $25 to $50; drinks and light refreshments are included in the ticket price. Those unable to attend the show can make a direct donation to the Refugee Legal Fund at givebutter.com/legalfund.

This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.

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