Snowball Gala to Support UMOJA Community Mosaic
Published on February 15, 2023
Authors: Rundle College Grade 11 Students – Soraya P. and Dani E.
Rundle College senior high school students are hosting their traditional Snowball Gala, on the evening of Thursday, February 23 at the Rundle College campus. It will be a night full of excitement, lively music, and Rundle talent, as the parents, students, and teachers come together to bring the school to life. Before the talent takes the stage, there will be a mocktail bar serving non-alcoholic drinks, as well as hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to catch up with other Rundle families.
Memories of the 2019 Snowball Gala
Join us at the 2023 Snowball Gala for a Good Cause
This year, our students have decided to donate proceeds from Gala ticket sales to support UMOJA Community Mosaic — a local charity serving immigrant and low-income families in our community.
UMOJA, meaning “unity and belonging” in Swahili, manages to perfectly encapsulate the organization’s core mission to create a sense of unity and community among the many underprivileged children and families in Calgary. Jean Claude Munyezamu, the founder of UMOJA Community Mosaic, moved to Canada in 1988 after escaping the Rwandan genocide, where he would later start “Soccer Without Boundaries” (former name). This program is dedicated to providing children in his neighbourhood with a sense of purpose and instilling within them important life-long values. During his time volunteering in Somalian and Sudanese refugee camps, Jean Claude witnessed the importance of creating a sense of belonging through forging connections. The soccer program aimed to do just this, creating a space for young people to excel and shine by providing weekly soccer and summer camps for boys and girls alike.
UMOJA is constantly growing and adapting to fill specific needs within underprivileged communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families were unable to put food on their tables and turned to food banks for support. To address this growing struggle, without alienating individuals from their culture by forcing them to eat foreign foods which many didn’t even know how to prepare, an ethnic food bank was established.
As we have seen with a surge in food shortages, it is increasingly difficult for families to get food. Rundle students have decided to donate specifically to the UMOJA Ethnic Food Bank to support their goal to provide food to families in need. By purchasing a ticket to this year’s Snowball Gala, you will not only be signing yourself up for a great night, but you will also be supporting an incredible local cause. In the spirit of diversity, a portion of ticket sales and the proceeds of the mocktail bar will support the work of UMOJA.
We hope to see you at the 2023 Snowball Gala, and encourage you to check out, as well as support, this organization that is doing so much for the community! All College grade 9–12 students and families are invited to attend. Tickets are available for purchase now on Eventbrite.
Where: Rundle College Conklin School Auxiliary Gym
When: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Mocktail Hour | 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm – Entertainment
Tickets: Eventbrite
Visit UMOJA’s website to learn more or follow the link to make a donation. Find out about events and more by following UMOJA on Facebook @soccerwithoutboundariesyyc or Instagram @umoja_community_mosaic.