LOCALS enjoyed the sunshine at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre forecourt on November 5 to support the Hamilton Area Rural Australians for Refugees (HARAR) annual Spring Gardening Sale.
With fresh produce, plants, and music on offer, the forecourt was abuzz with activity as people showed their support for HARAR’s major fundraiser of the year.
HARAR is the local branch of the National Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) organisation that aims to fight to bring lasting change to policy and treatment of people seeking refuge and asylum in Australia.
HARAR president, Rev. Peter Cook, said he was overwhelmed by the community’s response to the event and expressed his thanks to everyone that attended.
“We could not have been more delighted with the wonderful support from our community,” he said.
“We had people eager to purchase items even before we had completed setting up.”
All funds raised from the sale of garden plants, produce, raffle tickets, and busking, will contribute to the National RAR Afghanistan Appeal, which Rev Cook said was a worthwhile cause.
“The National RAR are still supporting many Afghani families who are in hiding in Afghanistan or languishing in refugee camps in neighbouring countries, unable to work and support themselves,” he said.
“The National RAR have means of communicating with these people and, even though we hear very little from our domestic media, the stories coming to us are compelling.
“It’s important for us to do something to help.
“Our small band of volunteers all did their bit to make the event a success.
“We were also very grateful for the Southern Grampians Shire Council’s support for the event.”
HARAR treasurer, Ursula Murphy, said this year’s sale set a new record for the amount of money raised at their annual event, well and truly surpassing last year’s total of $1800.
“In total we raised just over $2500,” she said.
“We were delighted.
“We want to thank the community for their involvement and support in achieving this milestone.”
Anyone wanting more information on HARAR can contact the group at hamiltonrar@outlook.com
