The Body Shop Australia brings Christmas cheer to people seeking asylum

“Lead with love, lead with your values and people will follow.”

It was insights such as this that ASRC Founder and CEO, Kon Karapanagiotidis shared with an group of 17 staff from The Body Shop Australia last week in celebration of a partnership with the ASRC that was based on values, and making a difference in our communities.

In a wonderful display of generosity and compassion, The Body Shop Australia visited the ASRC in Footscray to present a donation for $20,000 cash donation. Their staff also personally bought and donated toys for the ASRC Christmas Toy Shop, an initiative that allows parents to choose free gifts for their children.

It wasn’t just the children who benefited either, The Body Shop also donating a huge $10,000 worth of products. Basic items such as shampoo and body wash are often in short supply and considered a ‘luxury item’. It was with great delight that the the ASRC were able to deliver a variety of lovely products to grateful families.

To give a true insight into the impact and areas of work their donations will support within the ASRC, the Body Shop team enjoyed a tour of the centre before sitting down to a catered lunch by ASRC Catering and a Q&A with Kon,ASRC General Manager Steve Betinsky and staff from humanitarian services programs.

ASRC Catering provides employment, opportunity and empowerment to people seeking asylum.

Throughout the Q&A members of both organisations were able to share their commitment to finding innovative solutions to the challenges faced by people seeking asylum. Kon explained the many ways corporate teams can contribute to the ASRC, and the impact we can have when we work together to empower and work alongside people seeking asylum.

“We are stronger, we are more prosperous, we are better, when everyone is at the table.”

The ASRC would like to extend a huge thank you to The Body Shop Australia for their generosity and encouragement.

To find out more about the range of ways businesses can partner with the ASRC to empower and support people seeking asylum, contact Greer Allen, Key Relationships Manager by emailing greer.a@asrc.org.au.