Rohingya refugees prepare for the monsoon by building new reinforced shelters with materials supplied by UNHCR. ©UNHCR/Roger Arnold
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Canada, is joining forces with Mohamad Fakih, President and CEO of Paramount Fine Foods, to raise funds for Rohingya refugees.
The Fakih Foundation will match the highest donation amount raised by any Canadian business leader or collected by a Paramount Fine Foods location during the holy month of Ramadan.
Mr. Fakih is challenging business leaders and each of his 38 participating Paramount Fine Foods restaurant locations to raise as much money as possible, with proceeds going to support UNHCR’s efforts during the ongoing Rohingya crisis—the world’s fastest-growing refugee emergency.
“This Ramadan, through my partnership with UNHCR, I am lending my voice in support of Rohingya refugees who are in desperate need of our help. The situation is extremely tragic and I am calling on my fellow Canadians to open their hearts,” said Mr. Fakih, who is also Founder of the Fakih Foundation.
“I am asking loyal Paramount customers to visit our restaurants during this campaign to help provide life-saving support to refugees. I am also calling upon my fellow Canadian business leaders to donate to this worthy cause.”
Earlier this month, UNHCR announced its formal partnership with Mr. Fakih, who has championed the welcoming of refugees into the workforce. With more than 60 locations worldwide specializing in halal Middle Eastern cuisine, Mr. Fakih has opened his doors to the skills and drive that many refugees bring on arrival in Canada, creating 150 jobs for refugees in 2017 alone.
Mohamad Fakih, President and CEO of Paramount Fine Foods President and CEO Mohamad Fakih (left) and UNHCR Canada Representative, Jean-Nicolas Beuze are pictured together at the launch of UNHCR and Mr. Fakih’s partnership to promote the economic integration of refugees. © UNHCR/ Jean-Nicolas Beuze
Since late August 2017, nearly 700,000 Rohingya refugees fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar, where they are a stateless Muslim minority.
UNHCR is on the ground in Bangladesh leading the emergency response effort by distributing urgently needed supplies such as tents, blankets, sleeping mats and solar lamps. With monsoon and cyclone season approaching, at least 120,000 people face grave risk of landslides and floods when the monsoon hits the Cox’s Bazar settlements.
“The needs of the Rohingya refugees, and the vulnerable Bangladeshis in communities hosting these men, women and children are immense,” said UNHCR Canada Representative Jean-Nicolas Beuze.
“UNHCR is fortunate to have the partnership of Mr. Fakih, the Fakih Foundation and Paramount Fine Foods to help bring renewed attention and sorely needed funds towards this ongoing crisis.”
The Paramount Fine Foods campaign in support of Rohingya refugees will run from May 14 to June 14, at 38 participating Paramount locations across Canada.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been protecting the rights and well-being of refugees all over the world for nearly 70 years. UNHCR works to ensure everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home.
For more information and interview requests, please contact:
Lauren La Rose, Senior Fundraising Communications Associate, UNHCR Canada
Tel.: (416) 926-7967, Email: larose@unhcr.org
