Fundraiser launch to help asylum seekers in need
In an aim to help provide food for those in need, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has initiated a crowd-funding campaign for areas in and around West Melbourne and Footscray.
Organisers hope to raise $150,000 to enable the purchase of a food truck to service the many thousands of people who are battling to feed their families. It is estimated that 30,000 asylum seekers live within the local communities.
To help alleviate the homelessness and poverty, it is hoped the community will support the fundraiser, which would give asylum seekers access to healthy, fresh food at a more affordable price.
The West Melbourne-based centre is due to relocate to Footscray next month, and the truck would then operate from the new site. It will service 20 locations and offer those in need a selection of vegetables, fruit, non-perishables and whole foods valued at $80 for as low as $20.
Centre spokesman Patrick Lawrence said many asylum seekers were unable to make a living because, despite a willingness to work, they were denied the right to do so. Others, he said, couldn’t find employment.
By using marketing techniques such as flyer printing and word of mouth to spread information about the fundraiser, it is hoped the drive will attract the support of generous locals.
Lawrence said the funds would go a long way to helping asylum seekers maintain a healthy diet, which is currently out of the reach of many who are only just surviving on $220 a week while waiting for their applications to be processed.
Organisers hope to raise $150,000 to enable the purchase of a food truck to service the many thousands of people who are battling to feed their families. It is estimated that 30,000 asylum seekers live within the local communities.
To help alleviate the homelessness and poverty, it is hoped the community will support the fundraiser, which would give asylum seekers access to healthy, fresh food at a more affordable price.
The West Melbourne-based centre is due to relocate to Footscray next month, and the truck would then operate from the new site. It will service 20 locations and offer those in need a selection of vegetables, fruit, non-perishables and whole foods valued at $80 for as low as $20.
Centre spokesman Patrick Lawrence said many asylum seekers were unable to make a living because, despite a willingness to work, they were denied the right to do so. Others, he said, couldn’t find employment.
By using marketing techniques such as flyer printing and word of mouth to spread information about the fundraiser, it is hoped the drive will attract the support of generous locals.
Lawrence said the funds would go a long way to helping asylum seekers maintain a healthy diet, which is currently out of the reach of many who are only just surviving on $220 a week while waiting for their applications to be processed.