Why Damascus?

RBC Presents: An Evening in Damascus is an annual community-run fundraiser that celebrates its ninth year in 2023. An Evening in Damascus aims to accomplish multiple goals:

Introduce the Canadian community into an authentic representation of Syrian culture and heritage through our cuisine, music, dance, storytelling, and performances.
Build a safe space for Syrian queer and trans refugees to celebrate both their Syrian identity, as well as their pride in belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, possibly for the first time.
Offer an opportunity for integration where Syrian Queer and Trans newcomers are connected with the LGBTQ2+ Canadian communities to build friendships and foster a sense of belonging.
Fundraise for Private Sponsorship groups aiming to bring queer and trans-Syrian refugees to Canada, with the support of Rainbow Refugee Society.

An Evening in Damascus has raised over $300,000 since it started in 2015, providing support to bring twenty-eight queer and trans refugees to find safety and prosperity in Canada.