This Christmas, Caritas Australia’s Appeal is focusing on supporting vulnerable families like Sakhina’s, who live in one of the world’s most challenging environments – Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, the world’s largest refugee camp. 

Sakhina fled Myanmar following the Rohingya crisis in 2017. After a hellish journey on foot dodging bullets and stepping over bodies, Sakhina’s family arrived at the camp hoping they would finally be safe.  

Unfortunately, they discovered that a lack of safe water and basic hygiene meant their lives were still in danger. Sakhina said of her experience, “I hoped my children would be safe. But it was not so simple. Now the danger to my children was the dirty water, the inaccessible and exposed latrines, and the difficulty keeping clean.” 

Sakhina worried especially for her daughter Noor who lives with a disability. No accessible facilities were available forcing Noor to relieve herself in the open.  

Thanks to a Caritas Bangladesh program supported by Caritas Australia, handrails have been installed at their nearest latrine, and the latrine itself has been rehabilitated. As a result, Noor can carry out her daily functions independently and with dignity.  

Funds raised through the Christmas Appeal will help families like Sakhina’s to rebuild their lives, providing essentials such as food, water, healthcare, and education to those across Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. 

“Christmas is a time for generosity and compassion, when we take the time to reflect on those in need and share our blessings with them. We remember that Jesus was born in poverty and the first people to hear and understand the message of peace and goodwill were the shepherds who were on the lowest rung of the social ladder” said Michael McGirr, Mission Director at Caritas Australia.  

“Today the world is full of forgotten crises, with many in need of simple but life-saving interventions that give them access to something as precious as clean water. By donating, you can respond to that by helping families like Sakhina’s overcome hardship and create brighter futures” he concluded. 

To donate to Caritas Australia’s Christmas Appeal, click the button bellow or call 1800 024 413.