South Sudanese community gives big

The South Sudanese Community Group handing over their raised funds. 203658_02

By Mitchell Clarke

Members of Cardinia’s South Sudanese Community Group have come together to raise more than $2500 but their efforts haven’t stopped with fundraising, as nine members journey to East Gippsland to volunteer with Blaze Aid.

Working alongside Cardinia Shire Council, the South Sudanese Community Group wanted to help bushfire affected communities who are going through a rough time.

“We came from a country where we had nothing and we came to Australia and now we have something,” spokeswoman Anyieth Maan said.

“Looking back from where we came to where we are now, it’s good to give back, we’re not just South Sudanese community members, we’re part of your community and we’re here to help.”

The group came together at Pakenham’s Living and Learning Centre to officially hand over $2532 to the Bendigo Bank’s Bushfire Disaster Appeal on Friday 24 January.

“It’s great to see different community groups supporting the bushfire appeal and the south Sudanese group of Pakenham have done a fantastic job to support the cause,” Pakenham Bendigo Bank branch manager Eddy Leo said.

“This is a great initiative and we thank the whole community group and everyone who has supported such a worthy cause.”

Nine members of the group have pledged to volunteer their time by travelling to bushfire affected communities to assist in local Blaze Aid efforts.

“We’re here to respond to bushfire victims when they need,” Ms Maan added.

“This is not the end of the initiative, if there’s anything else that comes up, whatever comes up we’ll always be here for the community.”

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said it was great to see all community groups do their part in times of crisis.

“One of the remarkable things with a bushfire crisis is that everyone wants to collectively help,” Ms Crugnale said.

“The South Sudanese Community Group have come together and raised money and now they’re going out to volunteer with Blaze Aid by providing really practical, on the ground support for fire affected communities in our region.

“I just really want to thank everyone from the South Sudanese community who have come together to support fire affected people and congratulate them for showing initiative and providing their skills on the ground.”