I am a white, Christian, fourth-generation Canadian. Because of these factors alone, my life has been infinitely easier than it has been for many Canadians. I personally have never experienced racism. When I say I am from Canada, no one ever asks me where I am really from. I feel I can openly practice my religion, including wearing a cross around my neck, without being harassed or accused of being an extremist. In short, I was born with an incredible amount of privilege.

The Iraqi Students' Association of Carleton University (ISACU) partnered with local Muslim charity Human Concern International (HCI) to organize a community BBQ on Sept. 28th at Britannia Park to raise funds for Iraqi refugees.
The organizers made it clear in their messaging that funds would go to Iraqi refugees, irrespective of religion or ethnicity. This message resonated with Ottawa's Iraqi community who are made up of Arabs and Kurds, Sunni and Shia Muslims, as well as Christians.