Salaam alaikum. After the overthrow of the government in August 2021, Afghani interpreters who had an affiliation with the NZ Defence Force were evacuated from Kabul and flown to Auckland where they stayed until homes were found in the cities of their choice; this being Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch.
Homes are sourced by the Government, which also provide hard furnishings. In Hamilton, Waikato Refugee Forum has the contract to settle the evacuees, with Red Cross providing high needs support.
Rotary is involved in providing crockery, cutlery, bed linen, etc.
Afghani Evacuee Project - Area 1 Clubs
Salaam alaikum. After the overthrow of the government in August 2021, Afghani interpreters who had an affiliation with the NZ Defence Force were evacuated from Kabul and flown to Auckland where they stayed until homes were found in the cities of their choice; this being Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch. Homes are sourced by the Government, which also provide hard furnishings. In Hamilton, Waikato Refugee Forum has the contract to settle the evacuees, with Red Cross providing high needs support. Rotary is involved in providing crockery, cutlery, bed linen, etc.
Patrick Cummings is a Rotarian with Hamilton Central and contacted all clubs in Hamilton asking for help when an Afghani family is located in Hamilton. Those clubs who wish to be involved are asked to nominate a liaison member per club and work as a team to provide a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom essentials for each house. Ideally an iron, vacuum cleaner, motor mower, TV, sewing machine etc.
There are an expected 34 families to resettle in Hamilton.
The local Red Cross contacts the Rotary liaison members to advise when a family will arrive and what the status of the family is - parents and number of children with age and gender. This is helpful when assessing the essential needs of the family for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. These essential items are a combination of donations or purchases.To date, two families have arrived in Hamilton. Two weeks prior to Christmas, the first family arrived with five children from 15 to 4 yrs old. The second family arrived early February and also have five children who are all adults.
It’s all hands, spanners, and screwdrivers to the pump when helping set up a home for the new arrivals. The truck arrives with new mattresses and bases - 1 double bed and 5 singles; a chest of drawers and side table for each bedroom; a lounge suite - three and two-seater; a kitchen table with six chairs. All the above are packed in plastic covers, cardboard and cling wrap. After stripping their protective covers, the items are assembled and taken to the allocated rooms.
Bedding is distributed, beds made with an extra set for each bed left in each room. The kitchen cupboards are completed with dinner sets, cups and glasses, pots and pans, bowls, utilities, tea towels and other essential items. Towels - two per person, hand towels and bath mats are placed in cupboards. A washing machine and refrigerator are chosen by the family after they arrive.
If your club would like to help with this project, please contact Patrick Cummings. A list of essential items will be sent to you for consideration.