Circle of Friends is receiving increasing numbers of requests for basic living support for asylum seekers with no access to any form of social security and no employment (or insufficient employment to make ends meet). Circle 121 SOS for Asylum Seekers is now managing these requests and raising the necessary funds to ensure people do not end up homeless and destitute.
Requests are coming from mainstream NGOs, such as the Red Cross, AMES Settlement Service, STTARS (Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance & Rehabilitation Service) and the St Vincent De Paul Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service. These organizations are only able to continue to provide support to a limited number of vulnerable individuals and families due to lack of funds. They are turning to Circle of Friends out of desperation for assistance because there is no further government or other funding available.
The Covid epidemic has had a significant impact on the charity sector as a whole. Not only have fundraising activities been severely curtailed, but the demand for assistance has increased across the whole of society. What is rapidly emerging is a chronic shortage of funds.
Up to now, Circle of Friends has been able to help this cohort of asylum seekers with:
– rent;
– utilities;
– food vouchers
– training courses, where appropriate, to help people gain employment
– other living costs
However, despite the generosity of individual donors, bequests and grants, Circle of Friend’s funds are also running very low and without a significant boost we will be forced to turn people away as we will be unable to continue to provide financial assistance. If this happens, individuals and families of people seeking asylum will literally become homeless and destitute.
Given these circumstances, we would be very grateful if you could make a donation. All monies donated, other than bank fees and GiveNow fees, go directly to the beneficiaries.
WE ARE DESPERATE! You can help by donating now via
- Direct Deposit
Bendigo Bank: BSB: 633-000, Acct #: 150721298,
Acct Name: Circle of Friends Australia Inc.
In the reference box, please put the last name of the donor, and specify the circle you would like the donation to be credited to: C121 SOS for asylum seekers. - Online via secure GiveNow page
Circle of Friends Australia Inc. is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission as a tax-deductible gift recipient. Donations $2.00 and more are tax deductible.