On Sunday 16 April, the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong (VCA) raised an incredible $13,791 at a fundraiser dinner for Caritas Australia, to support people impacted by the Türkiye-Syria earthquake.
“We are blessed to have the generous support of the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong. For a small community, their compassion and generosity are impressive,” said Leanne Langdon, Community Fundraising Manager at Caritas Australia.
“A lot of the members of the VCA go to church and have seen the leaflets and announcements from Caritas Australia in the parish bulletins. We decided to fundraise for the Türkiye-Syria earthquake as we felt we had do something to show our love and compassion,” said Teresa Tran, the President of the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong Committee.
The VCA have previously raised funds for Red Cross and St Vincent de Paul, but this is their first ever fundraising event for Caritas Australia.
“These events are about everyone coming together, everyone giving what they can and putting their hand up to help from preparing the tables to performing,” said Ms Tran.
“Our Vietnamese community has always responded to crises in Australia and abroad. We came here as refugees, we want to show our solidarity, our care, and our compassion to everyone in the world. We stand in solidarity with the communities affected by this tragedy and, together with the rest of the world, are committed to supporting the people of Türkiye and Syria in their time of need.”
The funds raised will be used to distribute urgently needed humanitarian aid including food baskets, blankets, mattresses, drinking water and hygiene kits to families impacted by the earthquake.
The VCA would like to recognise the support and contribution of the Lord Mayor of Wollongong; Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM; Ms Alison Byrnes, Federal Labor Member for Cunningham; Mr Paul Scully, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and many more organisers, sponsors and groups.
CONTACT: Jessica Stone 0490 684 867 / Jessica.stone@caritas.org.au
ENDS
