By CASEY NEILL
A GENEROUS donation has put refugees back on the road in Greater Dandenong.
The Journal last week reported that thieves took three bikes from Springvale-based support group, Friends of Refugees.
Just days later came an offer to not only replace the stolen bikes, but gift the group 12 children’s bikes, two adult bikes and toys.
“We are so grateful for this offer to replace the stolen bikes,” Friends of Refugees volunteer Sri Samy said.
“We are happy but not surprised by the generosity of everyone involved.
“We all keep hearing from Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison that Australian people don’t care about refugees.
“Since we started our group my experience has been exactly the opposite.
“I am staggered at how many people have quietly come forward simply because they want to offer a helping hand to those less fortunate than themselves.”
Late last month, Ms Samy had collected three bikes from the group’s storage shed in Noble Park to deliver to refugees.
“I unloaded the bikes in my front yard… and came home late in the evening to find it all gone,” she said.
The Friends of Refugees shed is set up with donated tools and trained volunteer asylum seekers to work on bikes.
“We buy spare parts, helmets and teach basic road rules and road safety before handing over a bike,” Ms Samy said.
“The asylum seekers use it to access the library, English classes, support groups, stores and more without having to use public transport or walk for hours.
“We have about 70 on the waitlist for the bikes.”
Email Friends of Refugees at contact@srisamy.com.au to assist.
