We can help to improve a family's quality of life!

Hi Everyone,

A former Syrian refugee family has just arrived in our neighbourhood.

By giving just a little, we can greatly improve this family’s quality of life, and make a huge difference. Our goal, with your generous help, is to raise enough money to buy a small car. This car will be used to supermarket shop, visit the Mosque, transport the four school children in bad weather, visit friends and attend English classes three days a week (that are in two separate locations, involve six bus trips with an 18-month-old, and poor weather in Dunedin)!

Twelve weeks ago, the family arrived in Dunedin, after spending five years in Lebanon as refugees. They are incredibly grateful to have been given a new home in New Zealand, but there are still many difficulties as they settle into their new life. With a family of seven, high living costs and no paid work as of yet, there are VERY limited opportunities for them to save for a car.

It is not possible for the parents to get paid work until their English is of a sufficient level. They are both working extremely hard to learn, and alongside English classes, we are working with the family so that they can acquire the language as quickly as possible. The father tells us that he stays up late at night, practising his English writing.

The Red Cross say that a vehicle is a big factor in successfully integrating into a new life. The family has not asked for this, but a car would make their lives significantly easier and happier. There is currently support from the Red Cross to transport the family to hospital and doctor visits, but it is not a permanent solution. The father has his international license, so is ready to drive!

We would like to raise the money for the family to buy a small, older car, insurance and registration for a year, and a tank of petrol. What joy and independence it would bring them!

Many thanks,

Pip and Ruby Rhodes