Toronto has become a very important destination for Venezuelan students. Venezuela has a currency exchange control for more than 10 years. So, in order for Venezuelans to come to Canada or any other foreign country to fulfill their education they must apply to be allocated with the funds to pay their courses, accommodation and living expenses.
Lately, the government entity CADIVI has not been able to allocate these moneys to students either in a timely matter or just by denying it. Many of these students are already registered in colleges and Universities and even have arrived to Toronto already.
The growing Venezuelan community in Toronto has raised their concern for these students that are stranded without money to pay their daily living expenses and they have organized via a well know Facebook group in the community “Venezolanos en Toronto” a food/clothing bank for their fellow students. They are not asking for cash, just items to help the students on their daily living.
The organizers are asking students to register by giving their info and what their immediate needs are. They have also asked for people who are willing to donate to express the same so that, the information can be match.
This coming Sunday and as part of an initiative of an international organization call Venmundo Venezuelans around the world will celebrate “The World Arepa Day”. In Toronto this will be celebrated by Venezuelans and friends at different restaurants across Toronto (El Gordo Ex Café, Arepa Café, Tostadas Grill and El Arepazo) and the community has taken this opportunity to call for a drive of goods to help their fellow students.
This Sunday the drive will take place at El Arepazo – 214 Augusta Ave, Kensigton Market Toronto. Any contribution will be appreciated. Please DO NOT in give Cash. Please donate items as giftcards (Walmart, pc, etc), dry food, clothing, winter jackets, TTC passes, etc.
Rebecca Sarfatti · @rsarfatti
