Perth, WA The Filipino Australian Health Workers Association (FAHWA) Charity exemplified the ‘Bayanihan Spirit’ of community cooperation as they successfully led a convergence of Filipino organisations and volunteers to host an International Students Support Fair on June 8, 2024, in Huntingdale, Western Australia.
The event brought together generous sponsors Hope Nursing Services and Melissa’s Filipino Shop and various Filipino organisations, including Oragon WA, Multicultural Community Arts Festival of Western Australia (MCAFWA Inc.), and Filipino Australian Movement for Empowerment (F.A.M.E. Inc.), alongside supportive business and industry leaders and volunteers.
Their combined efforts resulted in the distribution of nearly 80 blessing bags to international students in need, filled with essential food items such as rice, oats, coffee, and canned goods.
In addition to food items, all organisations and donors contributed gently used, quality winter clothing, mattresses, and brand-new blankets that the students could choose from and take home for free, providing warmth during the cold season.
FAHWA, in collaboration with Hope Nursing Services, provided free health check-ups, particularly blood pressure checks. Oragon WA also served free meals and refreshments, and the atmosphere was further enlivened by live music, which encouraged students and volunteers to jam and dance together.
FAHWA Charity Chairperson Aida Oakon, along with partner sponsors and organisations, viewed this event as a pilot initiative for supporting international students.
Given its success, the team is considering making it an annual event and expanding it further, especially since this year’s effort was organised in just one week.
The event not only provided material support to the international students in Perth but also highlighted the strength and unity of the Filipino community in Australia.
