Heartfelt thanks for gift to immigrant aid group

Published 1:30 am Saturday, November 21, 2020

I would like to shine a light on a very special but anonymous person who showed an act of kindness to help our neighbors in need.

A stranger recently approached me as we (Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest) distributed food boxes to our clients and other community members in need. With her arm extended she placed some money in my hand. The bills were rolled up tightly so I couldn’t determine the amount. I soon discovered there were five $100 bills. She expressed her appreciation for our efforts to help others and this was her way to contribute and support our work. The stranger insisted on remaining anonymous and did not want any credit or recognition for her generosity. It was such a heartwarming experience knowing that there are good people who care about others in these difficult times.

Our clients as well as many others in local community are facing unprecedented challenges with covid and the future is still full of uncertainties. Forty-five years ago, I faced a similar unknown future as my family (10 siblings, my parents, two cousins and myself) fled Vietnam by boat hoping for a better life in a country yet unknown. We were fortunate to find a wonderful sponsor who gave us a helping hand to succeed. As covid began affecting our everyday lives, it was important to me as the executive director of Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest (RISNW) to pay it forward and seek out resources to help our clients make it through the pandemic. Weekly food boxes are just one of the ways we are helping the community to get back on their feet.

This work happens because of the generosity of local farmers such as Funai Farms and Farmer Frog, VOA, Workforce Snohomish, and local government support from the City of Everett and Snohomish County, the latter through the efforts of Councilmember Megan Dunn and Snohomish County Human Services Department Director, Mary Jane Brell Vujovic.

I want to publicly thank the anonymous donor for her generosity and being that caring person who stepped up to help in her own special way. I am proud to be part of this great community. Thank you!

Van Dinh-Kuno

executive director

Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest

Everett