Refugees Settling in New Zealand

Project for July 2022 – June 2023

Working with the Red Cross and their settlement programme.

The ISO District project was for clubs to support this settlement appeal. In talking to the Red Cross, Carolyn could see a wonderful way for all clubs to
get involved.

A list of suggestions from the Red Cross was given to all clubs to bring items to District Meeting in Palmerston North on Saturday 14 September.

The response was massive – electric jugs, toasters, lunch boxes, bedding and kitchen items.

The keynote speaker Sievleag set the tone for the meeting. She arrived in New Zealand 41 years ago as a refugee from Cambodia. She spoke of her life before the Pol Pot regime and finally managing to escape and being settled as refugees in New Zealand. I am sure she only covered a brief account of the horrors they as a family along with many more people experienced.

When she called for questions, members sat in awe, many were shell shocked to hear her story.

After lunch Jenny Pepworth from the Palmerston North Red Cross Centre spoke about the work of resetting refugees in New Zealand. She was ‘blown away’ by the very generous and massive response of donations from all ten clubs. So a huge thank you to all clubs.

Challenge for the rest of year for District NZ 294 ISO Project.

Clubs might like to find a small project in their area.
The possibilities are endless. As I suggested at the meeting, if you need ideas, please send me an email.

District NZ 294 Empowerment Day

Saturday 11 March 2023.

Donations of the following for the Refugee ISO Project:

Please note, soft and knitted toys should be new for health and hygiene reasons.

Donations from the day will go to Wellington Red Cross.

Sharing ideas to other clubs:

• Let me know what your club are doing - some clubs are involved with Refugee Projects
• Also those members involved through their local churches, share as it might give clubs ideas

In Friendship Carolyn Crutch.

NZ District NZ294