11 September 2019

Sarah’s Gift at Moruya raises $10,000 for refugee family

| Ian Campbell
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Eurobodalla singer/songwriter Sarah Cowan. Photo: Supplied.

Eurobodalla singer/songwriter Sarah Cowan. Photo: Supplied.

Well-known singer/songwriter Sarah Cowan gave a rousing performance on Saturday night, while on a leave pass from Moruya Hospital cancer ward.Sarah told a rapt audience the story of Aden and Fardowsa, the refugees she is supporting on their quest to secure a safe future. Sarah is facing a life-threatening illness and helping the family is high on her bucket list.

Moruya RSL Hall was rocking with Sam Fletcher, the St Peter’s Anglican College Blues Band and Driving Sideways joining Sarah’s own band Sacred Cow. The night was hosted by comedian Vicki Haberley, who kept the games and music pumping.Sam Fletcher played his new single 'On the Road'. Photo: Sean Burke.

Sam Fletcher played his new single ‘On the Road’. Photo: Sean Burke.The generosity of the 200 people who came to support the effort, as well as those who donated, has raised $10,000 for the family stuck in a Kenyan refugee camp. Organsiers say the evening was a celebration of the kindness and compassion of Eurobodalla people.

“We thank all the local businesses who made donations of prizes,” a spokesperson says.

“The money will be held in a trust fund while the Refugee Action Collective Eurobodalla supports the family in their applications for resettlement. RAC won’t be able to bring them to Australia as our government is refusing to take refugees from Somalia.”

St Peters College Blues Band. Photo: Supplied.

St Peters College Blues Band. Photo: Sean Burke.

Sarah told her audience how Aden was only six years old when his parents were murdered and how he walked with his older sister and younger brothers for three weeks to reach temporary shelter in Kenya. Fardowsa’s parents were also killed in the war, she was helped by other women to escape a forced marriage.

Aden and Fardowsa married and now have three small children of their own. Aden has been working as a social worker helping new arrivals in the Dadaab refugee camp.

Sarah and her friends in Refugee Action Collective Eurobodalla hope the success of “Sarah’s Gift – Music and Mayhem Spectacular” will achieve a safe future for this family.

“The night was a wonderful effort by the musicians and all the helpers.”

Donations can still be made, via the RAC Eurobodalla, Commonwealth Bank account:

BSB – 062 575, Account Number – 1022 6847, please include the word ‘Kenya’ with your deposit.

Around 200 people turned out to support 'Sarah's Gift'. Photo: Sean Burke.

Around 200 people turned out to support ‘Sarah’s Gift’. Photo: Sean Burke.

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