Christmas has come early for refugees and asylum seekers in Brisbane with a handout of thousands of toys and other items to hundreds of newly arrived families.
There were long queues at the Multicultural Development Association (MDA) offices to get a first taste of an Australian Christmas.
“It’s a very big day, I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Somali refugee Gabo.
“Thanks to everyone who donated and most of the community members have come and taken everything they can.”
Charities, community groups, businesses and the public dropped off hampers, unwanted items and anything that could be useful.
“It’s just to share a bit of warmth and light during the festive season,” said Johanna Boonstoppel, a volunteer with the Surf Lifesaving Australia, who donated a van full of goods.
"There’s an extraordinary sense of welcome from the community for these people.”
Some people parted with precious possessions to help those less well off than themselves.
“It was tough yesterday when they were going through the things they were going to say goodbye to,” said Kate Macleod, whose two toddler daughters came bearing gifts.
“They did really well. They really got it, that some kids would really appreciate the toys they don't use anymore, it was a cool experience.”
Motivation for the generosity varies and Multicultural Development Association CEO Kerrin Benson says there is a deeper underlying cause.
“There's a lot of people who aren't happy with the constant demonisation of refugees and asylum seekers, and that's pretty daily, people want an opportunity to say, 'You are welcome here’,” she said.
Last year was the first MDA refugee Christmas collection and it was so successful its now going to be an annual event, giving hundreds of families something to share over the festive season.
“I’m very happy and the donations are very helpful because it’s something we can’t afford,” said Somali refugee Farihya as she left with her young son, clutching two full shopping bags.
MDA’s Kerrin Benson says the asylum seekers and refugees’ grateful smiles like hide the severe financial situation many experience.
“People are living below the poverty line, they're getting 89 per cent of Centrelink, so that's a fairly low standard of living,” he’s said.
“People on low incomes often have families and friends to support them, but of course people who are newly arrived to Queensland don’t have that but we’ve found there’s an extraordinary sense of welcome from the community for these people.”
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