IWR’s annual picnic affords its community members the opportunity to gather and celebrate one another. IWR hosted its 2024 picnic on June 22, on an afternoon marked by both figurative and literal warmth: the 88-degree day followed a week-long heatwave, but attendees smiled, laughed, and hugged anyway.
There were plenty of activities for attendees to enjoy, thanks to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and other volunteers. Children seemed to particularly enjoy one of CCE’s activities where they built marshmallow sculptures (though some marshmallows mysteriously went missing following their architectural endeavors). Meanwhile, a kung fu clinic was hosted by a CCE staff member, young children worked with blocks, and groups of attendees played lawn games in the shade. Laughter and cheers transcended any language limitations: it turns out everyone shouts when a cornhole beanbag goes in.
Eventually, the smell of food tempted attendees to a meal together. New Delhi Diamond’s, the CCE, and some attendees generously donated delicious fare to the picnic, and soon the pavilion was filled with refugees, volunteers, and staff members, getting to know one another and eating.
Beyond the fellowship, food, and activities, this year’s attendees were able to participate in a workshop on household money management. Topics included the use of checking and savings accounts at a bank, debit and credit cards, tips for enhancing financial health and credit history, and the creation of a household budget. In recognition of the numerous backgrounds of refugees and immigrants at the picnic, there were tables set up with interpreters for speakers of Haitian Creole, Pashto, Spanish, and Ukrainian, to help facilitate nuanced dialogue around these important topics. Seventeen participants joined this program, while many of their children meandered away towards the nearby games and activities.
In reflecting on this hot but warm day, Leila Wilmers, IWR’s new Development Director, summed it up beautifully, noting, “There was a wonderful energy to this event. It gave me a real sense of the shared spirit of community that IWR creates through its work.”