An Evening in Support of Our Executive Director: Leo Johnson

Posted in: Blog, In the News, News & Updates by Create Media on April 18, 2011 | No Comments

Leo’s effort in our community since his arrival four years ago as a government sponsored refugee will be celebrated and recognized.

All donations and gifts will go towards supporting Leo’s reunion trip expenses and the site development efforts of The Campaign for the Samuel Morris Memorial Library and Community Centre.

Saturday, April 30, 2011 6:00pm – 8:30pm                                                                                                                                                                                Globe Youth Centre                                                                                                                                                                              24 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON.                                                                                                                                                          Admission: $15.00

Formal remarks at 6:10pm                                                                                                                                                                    Documentary screening to follow : Pray the Devil Back to Hell

Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, Pray the Devil Back to Hell honors the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations.

Meet Our New Communications Director: Hali Farah

Posted in: Blog, Communications, In the News, News & Updates by Leo Johnson on February 6, 2011 | No Comments

Hamilton, ON—Yes, we have been quiet lately, after such a busy and exciting summer for Empowerment Squared. There have been lots of changes, (great changes) on our side. My name is Hali Farah, I am the new Communications Director at Empowerment Squared, and I am super excited to be part of the team. Being the Communications Director means you will be hearing A LOT from me! A LOT!

If I had to describe myself in three words it would be; dynamic, approachable, and eager  to learn. I graduated from McMaster University way back in 07 with a BSc. majoring in psychology. I have lived and been involved in the Hamilton Community for some time now. At McMaster, I was heavily involved with the McMaster African Students Association; I was part of the MASA exec for three of my four years.

I am from Kenya, but of Somali origin, so basically a Kenyan-Somali. I went back to Kenya last summer after 20yrs and it was such an amazing experience.  I cannot even begin to explain the sentiment of feeling foreign in your country of origin; it’s been so long since I’ve been back to Africa. Apart from the fact that I looked local and could easily blend in, I was as awkward and at awe as a typical tourist. I have never felt so Canadian, and had to admit to myself that YES, a lot has changed.

My trip to Kenya made me reflect, and want to give back. We are fortunate to have so many opportunities that we easily take for granted because they come in such abundance.  We are so fortunate that the things we’ve come to expect and even demand are a distant dream for many others. I am very excited about joining the Empowerment Squared team to have the opportunity to help empower others in our communities so that they can help themselves and others.

Empowerment Squared is constantly looking for enthusiastic interns who want to make a difference and join our team. For more information, please visit our Job Opportunitiessection for future employment and volunteer opportunities.

The Hamilton Spectator: Coach goes extra mile for visas

Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on August 5, 2010 | No Comments

By: Carmelina Prete (The Hamilton Spectator, August 5, 2010)

A Hamilton soccer team of refugees denied a flight out of Canada to play in an overseas youth tournament are now set to arrive in England this morning.

It looks like a happy ending for the United FC team, whose coach drove from Hamilton to Ottawa and back yesterday to ask the British High Commission for emergency travel visas. Read more…

The Hamilton Spectator: Aid flows for refugee team’s dream trip

Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on August 4, 2010 | No Comments

By: Jenni Dunning (The Hamilton Spectator, August 4, 2010)

They are so close they can almost see the field, the roaring crowd and their waiting teammates.

An outpouring of donations from every province in Canada has helped a Hamilton soccer team of refugees raise more than $13,000 in four days toward the trip of a lifetime.

Now, United FC is hoping with fingers crossed their travel visas arrive in time to make the trip tonight to a United Kingdom youth tournament. Read more…

CityNews: Canadians Come Through for Refugee Soccer Team

Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on | No Comments

(CityNews, August 4, 2010)

Almost a week after members of a refugee soccer team from Hamilton were denied access to their flight, they are finally getting ready to head to England for an international youth tournament.

Last Thursday, Air India staff barred eight members of United FC from boarding their flight because they didn’t have travel visas. In a meeting in May, officials from the British Consulate General advised them a permanent resident card and travel document from Ottawa would be enough. Read more…

CBC News: Refugee soccer players stuck in Canada

Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on August 1, 2010 | No Comments

(CBC News, August 1, 2010)

An Ontario soccer team made up of refugees is scrambling to raise cash and secure visas for several players who are worried they’ll miss a youth soccer tournament in England this week.

When members of United FC in Hamilton showed up at Pearson airport Friday to catch an Air India flight to London, eight of them were told they didn’t have the necessary documents for the trip. Another 10 boarded the plane. Read more…