Refugee resettlement takes a pause
The resettlement of former refugees into the Wellington area has paused for the moment, due to the current COVID-19 border restrictions in place. We are so grateful for the hard work of those of us who have contributed household items or funds, processed the items into household lots, and set them up in houses for former refugees to arrive to and make a home in.
In the meantime, the New Zealand Red Cross has shared a story with us of one family’s experience:
“Recently a former refugee family came to Wellington from Mangere and was meet by the Red Cross volunteer who was driving them to their new home in Wellington. The family consisted of Mum, Dad, and two daughters with mobility problems. Mum and Dad were anxious about living in Wellington because they had heard it was very hilly, and they were concerned for their daughters and preferred Auckland which is flat. As is often the case, the children picked up on their parent’s anxiety.
They arrived at the house where the girls were to share a bedroom and each had a closet. When they opened the door, inside were a wonderful selection of toys. The girls were so excited to see the toys, which included a little doll’s car. They had such fun racing them up and down the hall. Their parents were amazed at the generosity of our people in giving their daughters so many lovely toys and how happy the girls were. It gave them cause to stop and think that Wellington was good place.”
Thank you all for your generosity – we will let you know when resettlement resumes and when there are more opportunities to be part of this amazing programme.
