Akram Sabhan is doing a lot of new things these days – on Friday that included giving pinball a shot.
“This is the first time,” Sabhan said. “And I’m really excited to try it.”
It’s not something he grew up with in Syria, leaving that war-torn country to come to Canada as a refugee.
“It’s very bad there now,” Sabhan said.
He’s been doing a lot of volunteer work since he arrived in Calgary, helping set up for a Labour Day weekend event that combines live music with a pinball tournament.
Sabhan’s giving event organizer Graham Mackenzie a hand, the men having met when Sabhan was a student in one of Mackenzie’s English classes.
They’re teaming up on the event to raise money to support young immgrants making music in Calgary.
“We’re trying to create a bridge for everyone to come together,” Mackenzie said. “Because with everything that’s happening that’s so divisive with race right now, to be together and share together is a key thing.”
Sabhan feels it’s a great chance to give back.
“Lots of people, they gave me help when I came to Canada,” he said. “So, so I want to now help those young people. It’s very important.”
The pinball tournament starts Saturday at the Atlantic Trap and Gill Pub in Calgary, with bands providing a soundtrack as the pinball continues on Sunday.
Find more information on the tournament here.