Making a Difference
As we enter the Christmas season, it is essential to keep in mind those less fortunate and struggling because of the heartbreaking aspects of COVID-19 and the rising number of people now at risk of hunger.
The Jesuit Refugee Service continues to receive countless calls from people needing urgent support. These people cannot claim Job Keeper or Jobseeker because people seeking asylum are excluded from all federal COVID-19 support packages.
As the crisis continues, and people remain unsupported, it is difficult for JRS to meet the demands of every family that calls. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase of more than 250% in people seeking emergency assistance from JRS by way of financial support and/or food.
Staff and the Dominican Sisters have collaborated in collecting groceries and toiletries to assist JRS in their distribution of goods to asylum seekers and refugees
At Christmas, we remember that in each of these people, Jesus is present.