Refugees dine for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is often a picture of chocolate, red roses and romantic dinners, but a handful of Palmerston North people are going against the grain – instead spending the night helping others.
A multicultural dinner and auction is being held to raise money for refugees trying to sponsor family members to move to New Zealand. Through a reunification programme, a refugee can sponsor family members, but most of the financial burden is placed on that sponsor.
Paying for flights, medical bills, expenses and then accommodating a family once in New Zealand is a costly venture, says Lorna Johnson, chairwoman of Manawatu Reuniting Refugees Trust. The cost of a family of four travelling from Afghanistan to New Zealand was estimated at between $8000 to $10,000, she said.
Through the immigration process, mothers with children were often given refugee priority, meaning they could be a solo mum trying to rebuild a life in a foreign country, while attempting to fund the move of family members.
About 170 people will be attending the multicultural dinner on Tuesday. Funds raised from the tickets and auction will go towards the trust, which will then help refugees wanting to sponsor their families. Donated paintings, travel, hotel stays, hair packages and a $5 note signed by Sir Edmund Hillary were up for auction.
Johnson said refugees resettle better in countries when surrounded by their family. ‘‘What we know from research is that families can’t settle well in New Zealand while they are still worried about families abroad.’’
The dinner would also help build on the skills of refugees in the community, she said.
A group of 12 women from Afghanistan have started their own food business called La La Zar and were catering the event at Central Baptist Church. Afghan children in traditional dress would be the waiters.