A Day of Service and Connection
On March 21st, Raquel Morrell and Nicole di Martino from Morton’s operations team dedicated their time to volunteer at the Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown. Their mission was to prepare and serve lunch for those seeking asylum, providing a warm meal and a sense of community.
A Hands-On Experience
Raquel Morrell shared her reflections on the day: “I didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as the other volunteers arrived, it was hands-on. We unloaded the groceries that we had already shopped for and made our way to the canteen kitchen. We introduced ourselves to the other volunteers, unpacked, and got started on preparing the lunch.
Raquel described the various tasks they undertook: “We all helped prepare the lunch then set about dishing it up and interacting with the asylum seekers, who were so grateful. One of the ladies I served had a phone and she spoke into it so it could translate her words to English; we really enjoyed our chat”
Learning and Connecting
Charles, the organiser at the centre, provided the volunteers with a rundown of the services offered at the centre and the reasons why the asylum seekers were there. Nicole found this to be quite an eye-opener: “There were all ages and people from different countries. It was a great experience to be able to help and be part of their day.”
Reflections and Future Plans
After the lunch service and cleanup, it was back to work for Raquel and Nicole. Reflecting on the experience, Raquel said, “I would definitely do it again.”
The Importance of Volunteering
Volunteering at the Asylum Seekers Centre highlights the importance of community involvement and support. By giving their time and effort, Raquel, Nicole and the rest of the volunteer team not only provided a meal but also offered a sense of connection and compassion to those in need. Their dedication serves as a reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals and the broader community.
The Asylum Seekers Centre provides essential services and support to those seeking asylum, and volunteers play a crucial role in making these services possible. By participating in such initiatives, individuals and organisations can foster a more inclusive and supportive community, demonstrating the power of collective effort and empathy.