Ali Mohamed Al Sady considers himself a lucky man. After fleeing his home in Basra, Iraq in 1991 and during the recent conflict, he lost contact with his family. Like many he thought he may never know what became of his relatives, however, with the help of the Red Cross he has now re-connected with his brother and located his family who are now in Basra.
"It is very difficult to find relatives in Iraq, there is so much confusion and fear, but with the help of the Red Cross I am now able to communicate with my brother regularly to know he is alright" said Ali.
Today, Ali celebrated in the Treasury Gardens alongside hundreds of others from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have achieved small victories whilst being supported by the Red Cross. People like Juve Tom, who at just 22 years of age has gained permanent residency after 8 years in Australia.
Juve arrived in Australia from East Timor at the age of 14 with his mother, father and 3 siblings. He spent his formative years as an "Aussie" and is thrilled to be finally able to participate fully in his community.
"I want to work in tourism and hospitality because I love to see others discover the beauty of this country. I've now become a Red Cross volunteer because I've seen the Red Cross staff helping families like mine" said Juve.
This kind of hope for a better life is also evident in many who are detained, according to Red Cross Volunteer Julien Jane, who offers weekly cooking classes to detainees at Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre.
"I can see hope in these people, it is an extraordinary and humbling experience to watch them open up and express this hope through the simple act of preparing and sharing food" said Julien. "I am here today to celebrate some small victories and take that hope for a better life back to the detainees because it means everything to them".
Australian Red Cross, Victoria Executive Director Andrew Hilton joined the celebrations today to express support for the clients who are still awaiting decisions and remind the community of the role of the Red Cross.
"For almost 90 years in Victoria, the Australian Red Cross has been re-connecting families who have been separated by conflict or disaster and supporting those who seek asylum by providing practical and emotional support.
"There are people here today from Africa, Europe and Asia with one thing in common: universal hope for a better life that the Red Cross provides through the simple act of showing that someone cares" said Mr Hilton.
Over 300 Red Cross clients gathered in the Treasury Gardens and received 'end of year' gifts from the organisation, many donated by staff and volunteers and the general public.
ENDS
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| Ali Mohamed Al Sady |
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Juve Tom |
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Julien Jane |
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Group shot |
