Celebrating Acts of Kindness: 5 Ways to Bring Hope to Refugees This Holiday Season

With the festive season fast approaching, the spirit of giving is inspiring our community to ask: How can we show kindness and compassion to refugees and people seeking asylum at this time of the year?

That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to stand with refugees and people during this special time of the year. Below are five impactful ways to help the ASRC shine a light of hope for refugees. With every act of kindness, we can build a more compassionate community that welcomes and uplifts everyone. 

• Support families like Hawi and Dejen’s and donate to the ASRC End of Year Appeal

For Hawi* and Dejen* there was only one option, leave Northern Ethiopia and seek safety elsewhere. With a baby on the way and a toddler, the family made the long and dangerous journey to a safe and hopeful future. 

The little savings they arrived with diminished quickly, leaving the expectant family at risk of homelessness. With the support of the ASRC the family was given access to the ASRC Foodbank, housing, and health and antenatal care for Hawi. While the ASRC Housing & Aid program was able to provide emergency accommodation, the family desperately needed something more suitable before the baby arrived. Thanks to a landlord, who coincidentally had lived experience of seeking asylum, and financial assistance from the ASRC, the family was able to secure a home.

A donation to the ASRC’s End of Year Appeal helps refugee families like Hawi and Dejen’s with the essentials they need. You can donate today and shine a light of hope for refugees and people seeking asylum. 

• Pledge to be a family that welcomes refugees

Did you know that 40% of the world’s refugees are children? Children who just want to live happy, carefree childhoods, play with toys, and let their imaginations run wild. The ASRC wants to change this and we need your support. 

The ASRC is committed to creating a future where refugees and people seeking asylum are welcomed and shown kindness and compassion. This year, we are asking families of all shapes and sizes to stand with us and pledge to help us build a more inclusive community. 

Add your name to the growing list of families who are making a statement that their families support refugees in Australia. 

Sign and pledge your support today. 

• Treat yourself or others to gifts with purpose

Why not give a gift that does good this festive season? The team at ASRC Catering have thoughtfully curated 3 gift boxes showcasing delicious global flavours influenced by the flavours and cultures of their staff, who have come to Australia to seek safety. 

Choose from the Spice Box, Sweet and Savoury Box and the Falafel Experience Box, all perfect for the food enthusiast or budding chef. Your team, family, or friends will love this meaningful gift, as they are transported all around the world with diverse flavours. 

100% of proceeds from each sale will go directly to support and empower people seeking asylum.

Shop the boxes here. 

• Join the ASRC Festive Food Drive to Support Families in Need This Season

This holiday season, the ASRC’s Festive Food Drive provides a meaningful way to support individuals and families seeking asylum who rely on the ASRC Foodbank. With the cost of living rising, this vital resource serves as a lifeline for around 1,200 people each month who lack a secure safety net.

Join us on Sunday, December 15th, in Footscray to spread community cheer and help ensure everyone has food on the table during the holidays. Make a difference this season—learn how you can support the ASRC Festive Food Drive here.

• Let your voice be heard

Thousands of people who came here for safety more than 12 years ago are being denied the permanence they need to rebuild their lives. 

Stand with the ASRC in advocating for policy and systemic change alongside refugees and people seeking asylum. By raising your voice, you can help uphold and protect the rights of those who sought safety here.

Together, we’ve seen the impact a united community can have. Thousands of emails from supporters have reached MPs, calling for an end to an unjust system. 

Let refugees and people seeking asylum know that their home is here.