A Sunshine charity is determined to raise $18,000 so it can bolster its work in helping children.
The Refugee Migrant Children Centre has been working with newly arrived refugees, migrants and asylum seeker children since 2012 to help provide education and support.
The centre has more than 100 children on its waiting list – but through its new #30by30 campaign, is hoping to raise enough money to get 30 kids off the list by June 30.
Chief executive Alice Wojcik is hopeful the centre can reach the $18,000 goal.
“The waiting list has been growing for a while, and we’ve got to the point where we really do need the support of the wider public in tackling this issue of families needing access to support,” she said.
“We’re hoping with this campaign we can get at least 30 kids off the waiting list, but with over 100 kids on the list, we’d love to get even further.
“It’s roughly $600 per child to give weekly and ongoing support, where we work with each child, the schools, their families and the wider community. So there’s quite a bit going on for that money.
“We’d love any support, whether that is by way of a donation, or spreading awareness, running an event in their workplace like a morning tea – every little bit really does go a long way.”
The centre helps with English language skills, education engagement, peer support and social connections across the western suburbs.
Ms Wojcik said the need for the service across the west was constantly growing and that ideally the centre would love to raise the $60,000 needed to help everyone on its wait list.
“The families that we work with here face unique and complex challenges that need specialised services,” she said.
“The demand is huge, but we are just a small organisation, so it is a lot for us to take on. But, one step at a time, we’re trying to make a difference.”
To donate to the campaign or find out more about the Refugee Migrant Children Centre, visit rmccaustralia.org.au.
