Chris's campaign for GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR PEACE

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR PEACE, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR PEACE: Through fundraising and donations from individuals , grants from the City Council of Newcastle we were able to provide educational support by paying school fees for students in The Democratic Republic of Congo and community empowerment by providing funds to build shelters in Eastern Congo. We also sponsored two Congolese teens orphans refugee to come to Australia for a better life

Refugee Assistance Crowd Funding story

As you aware Australia is a country which accepts refugees from various countries, including,  the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Many of the refugees from DRC currently reside in refugee camps in countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya; with some of them awaiting acceptance from countries such as Australia after having been recommended by the UNHCR.

The visa process is long and expensive and for refugees applying under community sponsorship, the funds have to be obtained from the means such as donations.  When the visa is granted there is then the cost of necessities for travel (such as travel clothing and suitcases) and airfares to the Australian airport where their sponsors meet them and manage their resettlement in this country.

This crowdfunding initiative is to seek funds for two families, in different stages of their journey to an improved life in Australia

1.       The Nzinge family, six children and their parents have been accepted to enter Australia.  This family were granted a humanitarian visa and some of the visa expenses were paid by the sponsor, The Global Alliance for Peace (GAP), of which Jerome Rugaruza, is the founder and president, but they now require further funds for purchasing travel necessities and airfares.  The necessities will cost approximately A$1000 and the airfare is estimated at A$ 16,000.  It would be helpful to also cover any rental arrears and an orientation course; approx  A$1000 - to assist them to settle in Australia; including a course on driving in Australia.  We are seeking  A$18,000, but any contribution towards this financial need will be helpful as the travel to Australia is the final step in their change of fortune.

2.       The Chabakuru family, four children and their parents are about to commence the second part of their visa process which requires a payment of A$ 10,000 as soon as possible.  This figure is part of the remaining cost of their visa process which is A$ 50,000.  The father, Alexis currently works managing a small butcher’s shop in Nairobi, but the family has not enough funds to school their children. His sponsor in Australia, GAP, organised payment of the first part of the visa process, A $5,000, and has arranged permanent employment for Alexis at a dairy farm in Maitland, NSW.  This request is to seek the A$50,000 required for this family to continue the process.    

We have included pictures of the two families themselves, their village and the first refugee camp where both these families previously resided.  Both of these camps were destroyed by Congolese militia and Burundi rebels.  The families then spent fifteen years in the refugee camp in Nairobi, Kenya where they now reside in difficult circumstances.   The pictures and the story related to the destruction of the Kihula village and Gatumba refugee camp are available at https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&rlz=1C1GGRV_enAU751AU751&q=gatumba+refugee+camp+massacre&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEieuK3LPiAhU663MBHcFXBjIQ7Al6BAgIEA0&cshid=1558685673196420&biw=1280&bih=913

We ask you to consider contributing to this cause so we can achieve the total goal of A$68,000 to assist these refugees, as they try to better their lives and resettle in Australia.  As usual, contributions are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for you contribution.

Jerome is available to answer any questions related to this initiative.  

Chris van Reyk

Chris van Reyk  (On behalf of GAP)