JRS Representative Thanks Catherine McAuley Westmead for Their Continued Support

Vin Gajanayake, Schools Engagement Officer, Jesuit Refugee Service, with Mary Refalo, School Principal and Kaitlin and Emily, School Captains on left and Zarah, Leader of Clare House and Teresa, Leader of Dobson House on right.

Catherine McAuley has supported the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) for many years now and on Wednesday morning at the school assembly their representative thanked the school for this continued support.

“You have helped make sure people are warm during winter, you have helped make sure people have dinner each night, and you have helped make sure refugees and people seeking asylum are accompanied every step of the way,” said Vin Gajanayake, Schools Engagement Officer, JRS.

“On behalf of JRS I want to extend a huge thank you for your support and generosity. We can’t do this work without you.”

The school has been fundraising and raising awareness of JRS during Term 4. Clare, Coolock and Dobson Houses have taken the lead this term with events like the 'Minute to Win It' competition and a number of fundraising stalls.

Next week this will continue with the Santa photos and the option for students to make a donation when they wear a Christmas themed item on Thursday, 12th December.

Vin spoke to students and staff at the school assembly telling them about the mission of JRS to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants in vulnerable situations. Every year JRS provides support to around 3000 people in Australia through a number of programs including the food bank service, the case work team, employment support, a women’s only space and emergency support.

JRS also runs community events, a refugee leadership program and engages in political advocacy.

“Refugees and people seeking asylum are often heavily restricted on their options, whether it is due to English language requirements, age or being on visas which might restrict their access to government supports like Medicare and Centrelink,” Vin said.

“For many people experiencing this hardship we are their last hope.”

The school is currently collecting items for the JRS Foodbank and Vin thanked families in advance for their support.

“The donations that you will give our foodbank will be such a huge support for the 200 families we help each week.”