Peacemaking in the broader context of war and terror will be the focus of an upcoming Fireside Chat with Danny Sims, executive director of Global Samaritan Resources.
The Fireside Chat, hosted by Emporia State President Allison Garrett and Emporia State’s Center for Student Involvement, will focus on Sims’ experience with Global Samaritan Resources, which has sent millions of servings of food into Iraq. The organization began in 1999, and was run out of the back of a truck at that time with the goal to collect surplus goods and share them with people in need. Today the organization ships goods to over 30 countries on five continents, handling all logistics: receiving, storing, and shipping materials for people in need.
Global Samaritan Resources works with mission teams, churches and organizations and ships items including medical and school supplies, tools and equipment, household goods, furniture and more. The organization also provides disaster relief and is involved in ongoing water purification projects.
“We are the only U.S. non-government organization to do what we are doing,” Sims said, adding that he will share his experiences during his visit to Emporia State. “We will talk of my trips to the ISIS front in Iraq’s Sinjar Province and how we assist the Peshmerga and their families.”
Community Hornets Coordinator Elayna Coleman said the event will provide an educational look into the organization’s work in Iraq.
“Tensions between our two nations have obviously been high for years, and I’m looking forward to hearing how Global Samaritan Resources works against those barriers to provide much-needed aid to families and peaceful people,” Coleman said.
Blythe Eddy, director of student activities and community service at Emporia State, said the event provides an opportunity for the Emporia and Emporia State community to meet someone who has made an impact globally.
“Mr. Simms will be able to provide the attendees with real-life examples of the current situation in Iraq,” Eddy said. “What an amazing opportunity to meet a man who has done so much to help people in need!”
Garrett said she's looking forward to Sims' visit.
"Danny Sims has travelled the world providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance,” Garrett said. “His passion for helping others is truly inspiring."
The Fireside Chat will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, in the Flint Hills/Kanza Room of the Memorial Union at Emporia State University. The event is free and open to the public.
For more about Global Samaritan Resources go to www.globalsamaritan.org.