Groceries Fill Bellies and Warm Hearts of Asylum Seekers

To most families, a tin of tuna and some washing powder are everyday household items. But to asylum seekers and refugees, they represent the embrace of community as they seek safety and attempt to make a new home.

Last week, a trailer and two car loads of food, nappies, and cleaning products were delivered to The Asylum Seekers Centre in Dandenong. The donations came from members of six congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the Bayside and Mornington Peninsula areas, after one of the members, Tim McCartney asked the Centre what they were most in need of.

The Asylum Seekers Centre is an interdenominational Christian response to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees in Melbourne. Staffed by 19 volunteers, the organisation relies primarily on donations to provide gift vouchers, hampers, and food packs. It also runs a ‘Free Op Shop’, where people can pick up household essentials and clothing.

Now in its 21st year, the Centre currently supports 486 asylum seekers from countries including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Iran and Afghanistan.

David Spitteler, the Centre’s Facilitator said the donation was “a very timely contribution” and helped feed and provide needed items to 40 families.

“With your help, we have distributed $6,560,037 in total material aid as at November 11th, 2018,” said David.

Church member Ray Page said that the Church will continue to look for ways to support organisations like The Asylum Seekers Centre for years to come.                                    

“These refugees are in a new country making a new start in life which is a huge challenge,” Ray said. “They are Heavenly Father’s children and our love and compassion for them is so helpful to them in re-establishing their lives. They feel our love through our service to them.”

To donate to The Asylum Seekers Centre visit asylumseekerscentre.org