By Victoria Stone-Meadows
NEARLY one hundred people turned out for a candle lit vigil in Belgrave to commemorate the life of Syrian toddler Aylun Kurdi and other refugees who have lost their lives.
The event was organised in less than 24 hours by Hills based refugee outreach group Kindred and was part of the national ‘Light the Dark’ movement.
The group was only formed recently and Brenna Thompson said the main aim is to welcome and support refugees in the community.
“It’s about building a more kind and compassionate Australia that welcomes refugees,” she said.
The idea to hold a vigil in Belgrave came about when Ms Thompson and other members of Kindred could not make it to the vigil being held in the city.
“It’s a long way to go from the Hills, especially when you have small children,” Ms Thompson said.
“Instead we wanted to organise an event where local people can show their support for this movement as well.”
Kindred also runs food drives in conjunction with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre to support refugee families living in poverty, as well as regularly visit families in detention centres around Melbourne.
“We have been a lifeline for a lot of people in the community,” Ms Thompson said.
Virginia Gough of the group said that the candle lit vigil is way for people to show their support for refugees and asylum seekers.
“Tonight is a time to reflect and a time for action,” she said.
“Things desperately need to change and we as a society can’t keep going on like this.”
Ms Gough said the Light the Dark movement had the potential to create real change in the community for refugees.
“I’m hoping for a groundswell to come from this,” she said.
“A rising up in support for refuges in Belgrave, Victoria, Australia, and the world. We need to show more hospitality to the people who need it most.”
The proceeds of sale from soups, coffee, and cakes from the vigil all went to Kindred so they can continue to provide support to refugees and asylum seekers in Melbourne.
