Help When You Need It!

Dear Ms Tamberlin,

TheEmergency Relief Fund was created so that Queenwood can provide swift and efficient aid during times of crisis. The funds are raised by Queenwood students through activities like trivia nights, bake sales and mufti days, and then set aside so they can be accessed when the need arises. A quick response during a crisis can make all the difference.

Decisions on how the funds are deployed are made by informed students who make a proposal to the School. It’s a confronting task as we must consider which of the multitude of worthy causes we wish to support and how much money we want to offer. However, taking initiative is ingrained in our Queenwood culture: we strive to take meaningful action, to stand with, and to support the vulnerable and marginalised in local and international communities.

Connecting deeply with issues and communities allows us to engage in meaningful conversations about what people really need during a time of crisis rather than just assuming and creating additional burdens. For example, in Social Justice Club we discussed issues that arose during bush fire season in 2020 when some communities found the overwhelming number of donations of goods became a logistical problem. Some communities requested items like supermarket gift cards that were easy to store and distribute and could be used to purchase fresh produce that would not perish during transport.

One of our recent Emergency Relief Fund donations went to the Jesuit Refugee Service. Within days of the South West Sydney lockdown being declared a national emergency, we were able to swiftly provide $1,000 in aid. The donation contributed to funding for food banks, employment support and safe spaces for women seeking asylum. Additionally, we donated $500 to the UNICEF Haiti Fund to support affected communities following the devastating earthquake in August. We also donated $1,000 to the UNICEF Afghanistan Fund helping to provide safe passage for those fleeing from the Taliban.

Students are fully embracing the opportunity to participate in the Emergency Relief Fund, using their passion to serve others, particularly in these uncertain times. The knowledge that we are making a difference has boosted our spirits and given us purpose during an otherwise bleak few months. The effort put into this project has showcased the underlying respect and compassion that Queenwood students have for humanity, and their drive in seeking justice for those facing adversity. •

I particularly like the Women’s Space that the Jesuit Refugee Service provides. Refugees and other vulnerable groups of people are otherwise left behind in the pandemic as there is such an overwhelming essence of fear and chaos these days. After reading some reflections from the frontline, the struggle of JRS to be able to continue as per usual by providing food and services is starting to fade, and many families are losing touch with them. Overall, I think the Emergency Fund is critical in this moment to help organisations like this to survive through these unforgiving times. Hope you’re faring well in lockdown.

Tash

Hi Ms Tamberlin,

I saw on ABC news last night that many migrants and refugees haven’t been receiving home care packages or adequate support from the government. I can’t imagine how difficult their situation is, especially with the rental shortage and lack of casual work due to COVID-19. I was reading about the Jesuit Refugee Service last night and saw that they have been hosting vaccination clinics for refugee communities as well so I think donating to them would be a fantastic idea!

Thanks,

Jenni