Refugee Union

It has been another busy month at Refugee Union, with excellent opportunities for fellowship among members of the refugee community, and with the Hong Kong community at large.

The Drink for Justice series continues to be an excellent event for building solidarity with the greater Hong Kong community, combating prejudice and preconceptions of people who have been forced to leave their homelands, and raising money for the members of Refugee Union and their families. At the April event, artwork from the children’s painting classes was exhibited for purchase, which raised some money for members of Refugee Union. Thank you to donors! All the money raised from the Drink for Justice events goes to refugees currently living in Hong Kong who struggle to subsist on the sub-par living allowances from International Social Services (ISS) as authorized by the Hong Kong government. Thanks to all who joined us at the event, and special thanks to La Vin Wines and Petit Cucina in Central for hosting us this past month.

aprilpost1 — Folks enjoying themselves at Drink for Justice 6. Thanks for coming out and supporting the work of Refugee Union!

Earlier this month, Refugee Union held its monthly meeting, where members could come together and discuss common issues. At this meeting, Refugee Union welcomed a volunteer speaker to talk with members about how to stay physically healthy and fit despite the emotional and physical toll of waiting for the legal outcome on their asylum cases.

aprilpost2 — Members of Refugee Union taking part in some fitness exercises during the monthly meeting.

Further, activities and programming at Refugee Union are in full swing. From painting, knitting and English classes for young people, to English and Cantonese classes for adults, members of Refugee Union make good use of their time as they await decisions on their asylum cases. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work in Hong Kong, leading to months and even years of being unable to pursue fruitful work in their careers.

aprilpost3 — Children coming together to play, regardless of national origin, at cultural diversity playgroup, held every other Tuesday (next meeting is May 8). Any person in Hong Kong with young children is welcome to join!

If you would like to support the refugee community, members are currently seeking diapers, rice cookers, and laptops in good condition. Cash donations to Refugee Union are welcome as well to support programming events, like cultural diversity playgroup. If you are interested in volunteering at Refugee Union or making a donation, please email info@refugeeunion.org or call +852 9828 7176. Thank you for your support, and hope to see you at Refugee Union or at a future Drink for Justice event!