Author: Michelle Holler
On October 25th the West Side Bazaar will be a holding an event to raise funds and awareness for the world’s youngest country, South Sudan.
In late 2013, conflict erupted in the newly independent nation of South Sudan. Since then, over one million people have fled their homes. This has pushed the country into a hunger crisis. Now, as many as four million people are in urgent need, with over one million at risk of starvation.
In November, West Side Bazaar shop owner Gysma Kueny will be departing for her homeland of South Sudan. The wellness of her country is a great concern of hers and we hope to help her make a positive impact while she is there.
Proceeds from the event will be directly donated to Gysma to buy food for the IDP (internal displaced people) in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan. The event will celebrate the rich cultural traditions of South Sudan through music, dance, and food. Personal stories will be shared by West Side Bazaar shop owner Gysma. Other speakers include Manon A. Jokaleu, who worked with Winrock International Development, and was stationed in South Sudan in 2013 and Dominic Diing chairperson for the South Sudanese community in Buffalo and founder of Aid and Care Inc.
For $20.00, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the cultural presentations and a South Sudanese buffet, all while helping the fight against hunger. We hope you can join us in this journey. Tickets will be on sale starting 10/15 at the Bazaar as well as on the West Side Bazaar’s website.
Gysma Gives Back: South Sudanese Awareness & Fundraising event @ the West Side Bazaar
Date: October 25th 2014
Time: 11;30am – 3:30pm
Location: West Side Bazaar, 25 Grant Street Buffalo NY
Lead image: Gysma Kueny pictured in center wearing green visiting friends and family back home in South Sudan
2nd image: Three years ago, the people of South Sudan celebrated the birth of a nation. Today, the young country is crippled by civil war and hunger. The United Nations warned in May that South Sudan stood on the brink of genocide and famine.