Safaa's Syrian Restaurant!
Donation protected
My name is Emily Ryan. Over the past few years, I have had the joy of getting to know Safaa Naeman through an International Women’s Day project at Camosun College. I also had the pleasure of teaching English language to Fadi, her delightful husband.
Since then, I have gained a wonderful friend and acquired so many valuable insights from Safaa – she is a pillar of resilience. She has fought hard to start a new life here in Victoria for herself and her family. Furthermore, her determination and efforts to follow her dream - sharing her delicious Syrian recipes with friends and her community - are humbling. Her family-run business, Syriana Catering, has seen great success!
Excitingly, Safaa recently leased a local restaurant space in Esquimalt (more for all of us to eat; hooray!). However, the costs of renovation and buying new kitchen equipment are high, and the family needs support to open the first Syrian restaurant in Greater Victoria! Funds will go towards renovations (e.g., construction, materials, and labour) and commercial equipment (e.g., ovens, grills, a fridge/freezer, countertops). With your help, she hopes to open her space in the early spring months of 2023.
Safaa’s aim has always been to give back to those who supported her and her family upon their arrival to Canada. To that end, I am starting this fundraiser to give back to her. She has provided so much optimism and light during these difficult times; seeing her dream come to fruition will be a gift to everyone (and we will have greater access to her delicious food!).
Thank you so much for your support!
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Ryan
Organizer
Victoria, BC
Safaa Naeman
Beneficiary
