AIRAR needs more donations to help refugees

AS THE impact of the COVID-19 pandemic broadens across the community, Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees (AIRAR) are continuing to support refugees in Geelong through ongoing donations to the Wesley Asylum Seeker Welcome Place.
More help is desperately needed, however, and AIRAR is calling on people to give what they can.
“Our thoughts are very much with all of the forgotten people as this horrific health crisis sweeps our country and the world,” AIRAR convenor Mary Bremner said.
“This includes those refugees and asylum seekers who are eking out an existence in our communities on various forms of temporary visas with little or no financial support. Supporting these people has become the primary focus for refugee support groups like AIRAR.”
While the government has rolled out a number of financial initiatives to help soften the blow for many people, none of this is available to those who are not permanent residents.
AIRAR says it is already hearing stories of reduced hours and job losses, hardship paying rent, struggles to meet utility expenses and difficulty finding money to buy food are being heard within the refugee community.
Before the pandemic, a “Top-up” club had been established by AIRAR where community members make a regular monthly donation to buy groceries for the Welcome Place’s foodbank.
For more than 18 months, this has been a vital source of support for Geelong refugees.
With the outbreak of the pandemic, AIRAR has moved to donate via electronic bank transfer as it is no longer possible to buy bulk groceries. The group is now looking to extend this to contribute to refugees’ utility costs, but urgently needs more funds. As AIRAR is unable to continue its normal fundraising activities, it is appealing to the public for support.
“We are asking those people ,who are in a position to do so, to redirect some of their usual charitable donations to AIRAR’s Top-up club to reduce the devastating impact of the corona virus on some of our most vulnerable people,” Ms Bremner said.
“The Surf Coast community has always got behind us, and in these challenging times, we are sure people will do what they can. Any contribution will make a huge difference to those who have
so little”.
For those wishing to set up a regular monthly contribution or make a one-off donation, the bank details are – Account: Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees, BSB: 633 000, Account number: 153 942 958. Email AIRAR to inform them of your donation ([email protected]) or if you have any enquiries.