Community support for fundraising dinners

The next in a series of dinners in support of the immigration of a refugee couple coming to P.E.I. from Afghanistan is Saturday, July 7, 6-8 p.m., at Sadat’s Cuisine, 223 University Ave., Charlottetown.

Enjoy a multi-course meal of lamb, chicken, beef or vegetarian, all locally sourced, with a decadent dessert. The price is $30 with two-thirds of that going to the refugee-support fund. Call 902-367-6631 or 902-213-7420 by July 4 to reserve a time and meal choice.

So far, a wide range of people has been enjoying the Sadat refugee dinners, from seniors to young couples looking for something a little different from the run-of-the-mill scene.

There are regulars, often in groups of four or six, who knew about Sadat’s Cuisine from the time Sara and Akbar’s restaurant was at its previous location across from Holland College, and who have been coming to each of the special dinners at the new place to support the immigration of Sara’s refugee parents.

There are also new people, who have heard about the dinner and its fundraising component and decide to give it a try — enticed by descriptions of how delicious Sara’s dishes are, subtly infused with tasty spice and colourfully presented in versions of lamb, chicken, beef or vegetarian. Surprisingly, there have been a number of tourists, who have heard about it through the local media and are amazed that there is Afghan cuisine in Charlottetown.

There is variety, as well, among the servers and kitchen staff. The skilled professionals are Sara and Akbar at the stove, and their son Harun and daughters Fatima and Ariana who are working the tables with friendly charm. Giving them a hand — pouring, fetching, clearing, dishwashing, plus hosting in genial fashion — are the Fradshams, Hartleys, Thomsons and Goddards, the members of the small group who, along with the Sadats, are raising the funding support required by Immigration Canada.

A special contribution is being made by Ann Thurlow. She has donated two pieces of jewelry for a raffle this summer. These are bronze pins crafted by displaced persons in Afghanistan, in the shape of those soaring kites which Afghan kids fly.

Sara’s mom and dad were able to get out of Afghanistan

about a year ago and have been stranded in central Turkey as they wait through the immigration process. They are expected to arrive this fall and will fit readily into the vibrant life which Sara and Akbar Sadat have built over the past decade in our Island community.

Anyone wishing to make a further contribution to this effort is welcome to do so, and any donation of $50 or more is eligible for a tax receipt.