Donations flow for bid to resettle orphaned siblings

Jessica Benton
THE CHRISTMAS spirit has come early to five Liberian orphans seeking a new life in Geelong.
Diversitat settlement services and community programs manager Tony Jenkins said Geelong residents had donated almost $3500 to bring the children to the city since the Independent reported their plight last month.
“A lady sent in a $1000 cheque and another lady also donated $1000, which is very generous, and another family has made a small donation and want to get involved with the program,” Mr Jenkins said.
“There have also been some other, smaller donations. People said they felt compelled to do something.”
Mr Jenkins said the fund would help reunite the five children aged 12 to 16 with their aunt, Kaddie Perry, who lived in Geelong.
Diversitat is battling red tape and financial hurdles to rescue the African orphans from war-torn Sierra Leone.
The children have lost both parents to war in the African country after witnessing the deaths of their parents.
“The money will be put directly towards the children’s airfares. The latest we’ve heard is all the visas have been approved and health assessments are being done,” Mr Jenkins said.
Mr Jenkins asked anyone with donations to phone him on 5221 6044.