With the continuing impact of Coronavirus, the need of asylum seekers and refugees for support to pay their rent and meet living costs is escalating.
Canberra Refugee Support (CRS) has been unable to hold its annual fundraising event, a major source of their income, and is reaching out to Canberrans to donate and consider joining their ranks.
In Kabul 2012, an internationally regarded boxer abandons his success in the sporting community, to gather his wife and sons and flee Afghanistan.
He was a successful businessman, a national champion, and upon realising his parents were closely tied with the ex-government, he chose to start from scratch, seeking refuge on other shores.
After half a decade in a Pakistani refugee camp, his family arrived in Australia for the first time, with their suitcases, a new daughter, and another on the way.
CRS is a small charity with enormous impact, often found through word of mouth within the Afghan community.
They help in a “good neighbour” capacity, providing advice, helping hands, and financial support when appropriate.
Bob and his wife Barbara found this family three years ago and have been their volunteer neighbours ever since.
“They’ve already embarked on an enormous journey,” said Bob. “We help them navigate the difficult process of settling into a brand-new country.”
With limited resources at their disposal, CRS attempts to help in the most practical ways possible. With all three school-aged children attending Queanbeyan public school, Bob has been liaising with each of their teachers to ensure the children are completing their lessons and are being looked after.
“Regardless of how much of the native language you know, when you’re a stranger somewhere you will need help understanding how things work culturally, with government services, and within the community,” Bob saud,
“We helped the kids get into sport, with the registration and uniform fees, which can be significant when you don’t have much.”
As with many CRS cases, a fortified bond has formed between the two households. “Now on a cold winter Saturday, I’m there on the sidelines, cheering the boys on in their soccer games,” said Bob.
CRS arranged the father’s employment, helping him to acquire the qualifications needed to work in construction.
“What I found with all the refugee families I’ve had an association with, is that they’re well-motivated, clever people, who most of all want to succeed, especially for their children. It’s just a matter of finding the right approach,” Bob said.
The Afghan family was renting in Belconnen last year when the owners of the house returned from public service work overseas. They were forced to vacate, and relocate their children, almost immediately after the birth of their fourth child.
“Not having secure accommodation, with a young baby … My goodness that’s tremendously difficult,” Bob said.
CRS worked with Red Cross to find the family alternative accommodation, “and everything that flows along with moving homes, helping the children change schools, switch clubs, purchase new uniforms”.
The family now reside in Queanbeyan.
Strengthened by the support of his second family in Australia, the father has become involved in the local boxing community, who welcomed him with open arms. The former athlete has found a gym that continues his training and allows other boxers to learn from his rich experience.
“That was all him,” smiled Bob.
To support families like this one, visit Canberra Refugee Support at canberrarefugee.org.au
