Strength and Kindness

We begin to die the day we don’t act on things that matter –Martin Luther King

The Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP) was established in 2001 by the Brigidine Sisters with their aim being to:

• Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum;
• Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers;
• Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum;
• Engage in education about the issues asylum seekers face.

BASP, with very little funds and resources, continues to support the most vulnerable in our community. Currently BASP support over 255 families directly with housing and many more families with payment of utilities and other bills, providing emergency relief money to those without any income as well as assisting 30 school children with school requisites for the 2021 school year.
Our parishes have had a long history supporting BASP and despite the challenges we all faced in 2020, our parishes have resumed the monthly collection of non-perishable foods, toiletries, cleaning products, baby goods, etc.

Donation baskets will be available at our churches on the first weekend of each month for your donation of non-perishable food items such as sugar, flour, cooking oil, tinned tomatoes, tinned tuna, tinned red kidney beans, corn and peas. Items you may like to donate could include long life milk, tea, coffee, biscuits, noodles, honey, dates, salt, pepper and spices. Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste, bath soap as well as washing powder, dishwashing and other cleaning detergents, food wrap, tinfoil, garbage bags would be appreciated. Items for babies and infants such as disposable nappies of all sizes and wipes are also required.

If you would like to join our team of volunteers in collecting and delivering the goods to the Brigidines in Albert Park on a monthly basis, please contact Kate Baines at the Parish Office.
Financial donations are most welcome and all donations go to the practical support of asylum seekers and those who have recently received refugee status. All financial donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Donations are not always about money. There are many other ways you can support BASP:

• Currently there is a need for lawn mowers;
• Would you have a second hand car that you may like to donate for free or at a low cost to BASP?
• Housing – BASP are very keen to hear from anyone with any generous housing options.
• Employment – assistance with jobs through contacts you may have whether it be full time, part time or casual;
• Furniture and household items – please contact BASP directly to ascertain what the immediate need may be;
• Gift vouchers – allow people the independence to buy items that they really want or need from major stores such as Coles, Woolworths, Big W and K-mart;
• Myki cards and Phone credits – are essential for asylum seekers and refugees to function within the community;
• Volunteer – if you would like to provide practical help, volunteer and offer support and friendship in people’s homes and in the community, provide transport to activities or appointments. Or provide friendship and support to an asylum seeker family with everyday English. Help families settle in the Australian community by exploring local facilities and services together. Volunteers always work together in pairs.

To learn more about the works of BASP, to volunteer or to donate, visit BASP.

by Kate Baines