Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Penrith, Fairfield and Newcastle stakes, NSW recently responded to the First Presidency's appeal to Church members to assist Syrian refugees.
Bridget Leneham and Amada Metcalf organize relief supplies for Syrian refugees
Scott McKeown, president of the Church's Penrith Stake, was asked at the end of October if Church members could provide needed items for women and children in the camps. In just one week the Church collected over sixty boxes of donations, worth several thousand dollars, filled with toiletries, underclothes, towels, stationery items, and school bags.
President McKeown said,”Given the short notice, it was wonderful to see people in the community respond so quickly and willingly to a very real need.”
Fatima Al-Sibai, a psychologist who spent time in Turkey earlier this year providing psychological aid in the camps, was moved to organise the drive on her return to Sydney at the end of September. With just six weeks to organise a whole shipping container full of items, she met her goal with the help of many different organizations. Her success has inspired others to replicate her efforts in communities throughout Australia.
The container has begun its journey to Turkey and is expected to reach its destination in mid-December.
For more information regarding the appeal, visit the Facebook page, Syrian Refugee Crisis Appeal.