Building Bridges: Christmas with Help4Refugees

During the Christmas Bazaar on 2025/11/22, Help4Refugees had the opportunity to raise awareness and support for Syrian refugees in Turkey and Jordan. Hosted by Concordia International School of Shanghai on November 22, 2025, the event celebrated the holiday season through a variety of activities organized by the Parent Support Organization (PSO) and student-led clubs, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere across campus.

At the bazaar, club members operated a booth that reflected their mission of raising awareness while spreading the Christmas spirit of generosity and compassion. They sold handmade bracelets, which customers could either customize or purchase pre-made, featuring affirming words such as hope, love, and dream. After making a purchase, visitors were invited to write messages of encouragement to refugees, fostering a personal connection between the Concordia community and those they sought to support. Many participants shared heartfelt wishes and words of solidarity, including messages such as “We hear your voice” and “Don’t lose hope—we support you from Shanghai.” These notes served as powerful reminders that although separated by distance, empathy and advocacy can transcend borders and inspire meaningful change.

In addition to bracelet-making, club members prepared mochi desserts inspired by Halawet el-jibn, a traditional Syrian sweet. This activity allowed both students and visitors to learn more about Syrian culture while engaging in a hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of refugee communities. Reflecting on the event, one club member shared that “physically working for this cause made the experience much more inspiring and impactful, reminding me that advocacy is about understanding others through their culture.”

Building on the success of the Christmas Bazaar, the Help4Refugees Club aims to continue advocating for refugees and strengthening connections between the Concordia community and displaced individuals through meaningful initiatives. Looking ahead, the club hopes to sustain this momentum—transforming compassion into action and awareness into lasting impact.