Season’s Greetings and Updates from Centre for Refugees
Dear Friends, Supporters and Volunteers,
As the year draws to a close, we pause to reflect. We reflect on what we have achieved, the challenges that we faced (or continue to face) and the future of our charity and our clients. We at CFR want to tell you how much we appreciate your support to our cause. YOU have made a difference. YOU have made a real-life miracle in the lives of refugees in Hong Kong. YOU and our team are everyday heroes!
Throughout 2018 we have been through many highs and lows. We shared and celebrated the success stories of our clients whether it’s being resettled; success in jobs placements; welcoming a newborn or their kids doing well at school to somewhat more somber stories. This year was particularly tough as we welcomed 15 new arrival families which came at a financial cost as we did not only need to support them with basic needs, specifically emergency accommodation but also with mental health support.
Our work has a powerful impact not only on the people that we work with directly, but also on the larger community as a whole. On a daily basis, refugees’ bio-psycho-social-spiritual well-being intertwines with and is impacted by services and policy within the ecological system in Hong Kong. The deterioration of mental and overall health was linked to stringent policy and services such as protection screening re-traumatisation, inadequate healthcare and lack of awareness about refugee issues. We continue to fill-in the gaps within the system in Hong Kong and are completely reliant on your generosity in order to be able to continue to provide these critical services.
Thank you again for your continuous generosity and support. We welcome you to visit us anytime!
We wish you a joyful holiday season and a blessed start to 2019!
Christian Action--Centre for Refugees Team
Some Highlights of 2018
10 refugees resettled to a third country including a family of 5
Centre for Refugees welcomed 15 new clients, including 2 families with toddlers
2 exceptionally bright students were offered full scholarships to attend a prestigious International School
22 refugees received job offers as part of the Employability Programme and 10 have commenced work
We welcomed 18 newborn babies who and are now part of the CFR beneficiaries
IMPACT IN NUMBERS
Over 20,000 meals served
107 babies received diapers and formula per month
72 days of emergency shelter provided
88 classes offered
over 5000 client contact sessions with caseworkers
Over 400 hours of counselling provided
Over 4000 accumulated attendances across various CFR programmes
STAFF UPDATE
We are delighted and very excited to welcome two new staff members. Chris Lin (far left) as our Administration and Education Officer and Wilton Otto (far right) as our Programme Officer.
In addition to this, we would like to especially mention our most outstanding and committed volunteers: Kevin Harber (second from left) and Michael Rose (third from left). They have selflessly devoted their time at Centre for Refugees for over a year. Kevin helped launch and continues to oversee the Employability Programme. Michael does not only manage our fantastic 'CFR-Villagers' football team, but supports the logistical operations of the Centre. Thank you Michael and Kevin, words alone cannot express how grateful we are for everything you have done for us and being part of the CFR family.
Thank you for all your support in 2018, here's hoping for a great 2019 for the refugee community in Hong Kong.
TAKE ACTION
$200 a month can give a refugee access to shelter and other basic needs
$500 a month can help send a refugee child to school
THANK YOU FOR PUTTING A SMILE ON OUR CLIENTS FACES DURING THIS FESTIVE SEASON!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
WE WISH YOU A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU LOVE, PEACE AND HARMONY BOTH IN YOUR LIVES AND IN THE THIS WONDERFUL WORLD WE LIVE IN! FROM YOUR EVERYDAY HEROES
Questions? Click here to write to us and find out more.
Our mailing address is:
Christian Action -- Centre for Refugees
No. 6, 16/F., Block E, Chungking Mansions
36-44 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong Add us to your address book
