World Refugee Day 2024
Celebrating Community at the World Refugee Day Picnic
Around the world, communities come together on June 20th to celebrate World Refugee Day—including here in Cuyahoga County. The Refugee Services Collaborative (RSC) hosted its annual World Refugee Day Picnic at Brookside Reservation, bringing together Cuyahoga County's vibrant international community for a day of fun and connection.
The event featured free food, a wide range of yard games and activities for all ages, and giveaways for children. Despite the warm weather, approximately 100 families from a wide range of newcomer communities joined in the celebration, making it a truly memorable day.
Highlights included:
Delicious food from newcomer-owned restaurants
Lively pick-up soccer games led by the City of Ohio Soccer Club
Hands-on activities for children and families to connect, like kite flying and "make-your-own buttons," sponsored by the Cleveland Public Library and MAGNET
Free books from the Cleveland Public Library and free children's toys from Smart Development
Interactive tour of a fire truck with the Cleveland Fire Department
Painting of squares that created a community tapestry led by the Cuyahoga County Welcome Center staff
This wonderful event was made possible by the generous donation from Community West and dedicated volunteers from across the RSC network, who worked together to create a welcoming, joyful space for all newcomer families.
We thank everyone who attended and supported the picnic, making it a beautiful celebration of community and resilience!
