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Home » Centre News » Sydney superstar raises $20,000 with 20,000 squats
Sydney superstar raises $20,000 with 20,000 squats
Local fundraising superstar Chona Navarro has managed to raise more than $20,000 for people seeking asylum by completing a squats challenge.
This year was her third time raising funds for Asylum Seekers Centre – and she smashed her target of $5000 by asking friends and colleagues to sponsor 20,000 squats. In total, she raised $20,256.70.
Chona said she wanted to support people who were affected by war and trauma, and inspire her daughter to be the best person she can be.
"Being a fundraiser is now part of my psyche. When you do it once and see the difference the money makes in the community that's being supported, it really sticks with you".
How did Chona first start?
"I work in construction management and my ex-husband was renovating a refuge for refugee families. There was a man, he could barely converse with people because of the trauma he'd experienced and I was so moved. It occurred to me that if he wasn't a refugee, he could have been successful in Australia. I knew luck has a lot to do with how a person's life turns out.
"I moved to Australia with my family when I was younger and was able to get an education and have the opportunities that I did to become successful. I met a lot of refugees from Vietnam and other countries in South East Asia. I knew I wanted to support an organisation that worked in this space.
"As a parent, I believe that a child cannot be what she cannot see. I knew I needed to live by the values of compassion and kindness if I wanted her to grow up kind and compassionate."
Why are you fundraising for the Asylum Seekers Centre for the third time ?
"When I first started running, I did the run with my friend after coming back from a series of injuries from high impact sport. The worst thing that can happen in a run is that you don't finish – which is unlikely because there are so many people who support you on the day. The worst thing that can happen to you when you're fundraising is that people say no, or they can restore your faith in humanity when they hand over their hard-earned money.
"I see myself as a conduit for people who want to do good and that's why I've done the 10km run twice to support the Asylum Seekers Centre."
What are your words of encouragement for fundraisers?
"People are far more generous than we give them credit for. For me, it took one email and the donation bucket is overflowing. Even if they're unable to contribute financially, they may give you the moral support you need the week before the run.
"In my first year, somebody heard I was doing a run for a charity that helped people seeking asylum so they donated because their neighbour had sought asylum. People will go out of their way to support you if they connect with your cause."
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Flying high at the Art Gallery of NSW
Thousands of people in New South Wales are living in limbo as they wait - often for years - to hear the outcome of their asylum claim.
Most are ineligible for Centrelink, some do not have work rights & all face an uncertain future. ... See MoreSee Less
People from refugee backgrounds often face extra barriers to the workforce - such as non-native English language skills, or a lack of local qualifications and networks.
Congratulations to the women who are building their own businesses in their new home country 💙👏 ... See MoreSee Less
After years of unsuccessful job applications, these women built a business of their own
www.abc.net.au
For many migrants, finding employment and financial freedom is complicated. But these women found a way.
Want to support people seeking asylum in a practical way? 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🏠
We're looking for an Intensive Support Manager with the following:
- At least 3-5 years' experience in managing programs in the social services / community welfare sector.
- Experience doing case coordination with people with complex needs.
- A strong understanding of mental health and trauma.
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
Apply today: loom.ly/gwDi1nI ... See MoreSee Less
In its global review of human rights in 2020, Human Rights Watch called out the Australian government for leaving people seeking asylum in limbo for the seventh year since offshore processing began. ⚠️
The report also highlighted the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system & racial abuse against people of Asian descent following the COVID-19 outbreak.
📋 Read it here: loom.ly/8nT_X08 ... See MoreSee Less
Practical ways you can help
Your donations are always welcomed as the need for our services continues to increase.
Are you an employer and currently need new staff? Contact employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au or call 02 9078 1900
We distribute food and repurposed laptops and always need these donations.
Register your support for the Asylum Seekers Centre and receive occasional communications.
© Asylum Seekers Centre INC | ABN: 47 164 509 475 | Registered Charity: cfn17163
We are still providing services
Due to the coronavirus pandemic we are doing things differently.
Call on 02 9078 1900 to find out how our services are available while you stay at home safely.