Locals start donation drive for migrant workers and international students

INTERNATIONAL students and migrant workers are some of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as many are not entitled to the same government benefits. Now volunteers from Darwin’s Filipino community have stepped in

A group of volunteers from the Filipino community have been collecting goods to donate to international students who are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured are Joy Audelie Nava, Peachy Tugano, Em Wills, Abet Tabiolo, Jurse Salandanan, Neil Sayat and Dave Jacinto. Picture: Che Chorley

SOME of those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic are international students and migrant workers, as they are not entitled to the same government benefits as permanent Australian residents if they lost their source of income.

So, Jurse Salandanan, as well as other volunteers from Darwin’s Filipino community, decided to start a donation drive to help those vulnerable NT residents.

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“Donations come from the local community, local businesses, restaurants, individuals,” Mr Salandan said.

“It’s a very non traditional relief operation.”

He said international students and migrant workers can register online, and then come by on Saturdays to take whatever they need.

“It’s a good feeling because most of the feedback we get is very emotional,” Mr Salandan said.