Charity offers early Christmas for refugee families

Christmas has come early for dozens of refugees, with volunteers handing out $100,000 worth of food and toys to the needy.

Charity offers early Christmas for refugee families

Charity pickings. Source: SBS

It was chaos in the Sydney suburb of Belmore at a Christmas charity event for local refugee families.

People filled Santa sacks and large bags with everything from fruit and vegetables and meat, to toys, mattresses and microwaves donated by The Salvation Army.

Mother of four Maria Kamara says she's grateful for the presents after arriving in Australia in 2005 after fleeing war in Sierra Leone.

"I can't read I can't write. They put me to school but up to now I can't do anything so it's very tough if I'm not working. No husband, I have four kids to look after," said Ms Kamara.

After years of heartbreak, this year the Kamara family will be able to celebrate Christmas with the donated gifts.

"My seven-year-old, he wants a car. Mummy I want a Lamborghini. A toy one," Ms Kamara laughs.
This all made possible thanks to retired Salvation Army officer Major Hilton Harmer, who many call their 'angel'.

"I went to a home last week and the lady did not have one thing in her fridge, not one thing. To be able to be able to get something substantial, some good vegies and groceries it makes the world of difference," said Major Harmer.

All the donations made by the public and local businesses.

Around half a million children under the age of 10 won't receive Christmas presents in Australia this year.

Pensioner Joanne Siale says the Salvation Army has changed her life.

“It's helped us out incredibly, especially when it came to Christmas hampers and things like that. Things that you wouldn't buy because they are just way too expensive to afford, they come delivered like magic over here,” said Ms Siale.

The Salvation Army expects to help 70,000 families across Australia in the six weeks before Christmas and in the critical month afterwards.


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Published 14 December 2016 5:25pm
Updated 14 December 2016 9:09pm
By Kirsty Johansen

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