Laughter offers hope for refugee families, thanks to a fundraiser to be hosted by Northern Rivers for Refugees.
MC Ellen Briggs will bring her usual light and very funny touch to a Trivia Night on Saturday 16 November, at St John’s school hall Mullumbimby, to support refugees settling in our region.
Seven families from Syria, Venezuela and Afghanistan have settled across the region thanks to volunteers and the Northern Rivers for Refugees (NRFR).
Two additional families are expected in early 2025.
Foaad Makansi and his family escaped Syria when their house and business were destroyed by bombs and spent many years in limbo waiting for their UNHCR visas. They arrived in Ocean Shores in late 2023 and with the support of volunteers achieved driver licences, school and TAFE English class enrolment, and employment.
Wonderful community
Foaad Makansi will be guest speaker for the NRFR Trivia Night.
He said, ‘I am unable to describe what has been provided to us since our arrival in Australia by this group of volunteers. My neighbours, friends, and loved ones in this most wonderful community you have been and still are by our side in the most difficult circumstances.
‘Thank you for your support and standing alongside the refugee families whom you have given safety, humanity, love, full care and integration with their beautiful surroundings,’ said Foaad.
The trivia night fundraiser will help more families like Foaad’s settle in the Northern Rivers, said NRFR president, Marilyn Leeks.
Northern Rivers for Refugees is a not-for-profit, volunteer led charity that supports refugee families to settle locally. Their volunteers are also active in their advocacy to the Australian government to change refugee and asylum-seeker laws.
Find out more, buy tickets for the trivia night or make a donation at www.nrfr.org.au.
‘This is your moment to make a difference to the global refugee crisis through meaningful and rewarding local action,’ said Marilyn.
Book your trivia night seats in support of refugees at www.nrfr.org.au or go directly to ‘Mullum trivia night’ at Humanitix.
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