Walsh University campus groups are collaborating to host a candlelight vigil on Thursday, September 23 at 9:00 p.m. at the Alumni Fire Pit near the David Center to reflect on the lives lost in Afghanistan. It will also be a time to pray for Afghani people around the world, displaced and still in the country. The groups include the Black Student Union, Campus Ministry, College Democrats, College Republicans, Dead Philosophers Society, Diamond Mission, Ice Skating Club, Student Alumni Association and Trek Club. Each participant will be given a hand-held candle or a tea light candle to light. The tea light candles will be placed around the fire pit.
To assist the 855 Afghani refugees who are relocating to Ohio, specifically 435 individuals who will be resettling here in Northeast Ohio, the International Institute of Akron (IIA) has asked local communities for some much-need household goods. Walsh is answering the call to help displaced refugees rebuild their lives. Items in greatest need that will be collected at the vigil and donated to the IIA include: twin sheet sets, comforters, large and medium pots and pans, mugs and coffee cups, large and medium sized skillets, cups, forks and knives, spatulas and wooden spoons, serving bowls, can openers, and rice cookers or instant pots.
Participants who attend the somber event will also have the opportunity to write down prayers, intentions, messages, or images on card stock and construction paper, which will be collected and displayed on campus as a mural.
Read the Canton Repository coverage of the event here: Prayers and action: Walsh University students pray, collection for Afghan refugees
