RAS has a contract with the Capital and Coast District Health Board (DHB) to provide mental health services to Refugees who have experienced torture and trauma. These services are delivered in Wellington, Porirua, Hutt City and Upper Hutt.

This DHB contract provides funding for about 90% of costs and RAS raises the rest through some specialist services and fund raising. Donations from individuals, companies and philanthropic trusts are used to purchase equipment, provide extra staff training and purchase resources for professional development.

RAS can, if requested, provide public recognition of any donation or they can remain anonymous. Please stipulate your preference.

To make a donation by direct credit please phone the RAS office and speak to either, Siobhan Lilley Administration Manger or Jeff Thomas General Manager and they will provide details of the bank account to credit your donation to.

Your donation will contribute to the ongoing provision

of the RAS services at the highest possible quality.

Financial Support - Angel Network

What is the Refugees as Survivors “Angel Network”?

The Angel Network is a group of people who have indicated that they are willing to be called on as a last resort for funds or resources required for refugees who are clients of Refugees as Survivors (RAS) or for RAS itself.

Why do we need an Angel Network?

RAS clients are those refugees legitimately entering New Zealand who are most traumatised, physically and mentally by their experiences prior to coming to New Zealand. RAS works with these people to enable them to become settled and useful members of society.

Government funding to RAS is for specific work with Refugees, not organisational capability and is limited. Also RMS Refugee Resettlement provides extensive support for refugees during their first 6 months (sometimes extended to a year). This involves setting up a house, introduction to schools, doctors, banks, shops etc. Work and Income funding is discretionary and limited.

The Rotary Club of Wellington established the Friends of Refugees as Survivors (FoRAS) to support RAS. FoRAS has focussed its efforts on fundraising to improve the capacity of RAS to deliver services to clients.

From time to time RAS becomes aware that a client family has an urgent need that cannot be met from any other source. RAS itself also needs urgent resources or funding from time to time. FORAS funds raised during 2007 were used for much needed professional development courses for RAS staff. However early in 2008 both the RAS car and fridge broke down irretrievably, with no funding available for urgent replacement. Rotary members were able to arrange a car on very favourable terms.

FoRAS will continue to operate with strong links through the Wellington Rotary Club. The Angels Network is designed to extend the base support for RAS. It is hoped the Angels Network will not only attract Rotarians but members of the public who have an interest in the resettlement of refugees in the greater Wellington region. The idea of an Angel Network has been developed in this context.

How to join the Angel Network?

If you wish to join the Angel Network, please contact:

Jeff Thomas, General Manager, Refugees as Survivors, Wellington

Phone: 04 384 7279 or 027 458 2176 Email: jeff.wnras@xtra.co.nz

Your name and contact details will be placed on a secure and confidential database at the RAS office

For members of the Rotary Club of Wellington or other Rotarians please register your interest directly with RAS. You might also like to invite friends or colleagues to join the RAS Angel Network.

FoRAS and members of the Angel Network will know whether or not the resources or funds have been provided, but not which members have made donations.

How will the Angels Network operate?

Members of the Angels Network will be called upon to help source, supply or fund specific items when an actual need arises. This might be for a specific refugee or family need, or for RAS itself, in a case of last resort or urgency, where other funds are not available. It could also be a request for your time or expertise e.g. speaking to a group of young refugees about a topic of interest

When the need arises the General Manager of RAS will consult with the RAS and FoRAS Boards for clearance as appropriate and given the time available, then email the Angel Network.

Angel Network members will respond to the General Manager direct and confidentially. The General Manager will negotiate any duplication of offers and seek assistance from FoRAS if further work is required.

RAS will collect donated goods to protect the privacy of the recipients. If required plumbing and electrical connections will be arranged by RAS, although installation costs might be included in the donation.

Funds could come from an individual, a company or a trust.

How will you know that the donation has been received?

Donations (including time) will be made to RAS, will be acknowledged and, if receipted, will be tax deductible. Please note: RAS is a registered charity under the name ‘Wellington Refugees as Survivors Trust.’ The Charities Commission registration number is:20880

Where appropriate the Angel will be sent a photograph of the items purchased, together with thanks from the recipient.

Contact for more information?