Donations in Kind

Support Us >> Donations in Kind

Donating items is a real and tangible way you can contribute to the essential support the ASRC provides to asylum seekers. We are always grateful to those who consider making a donation of any sort to the ASRC.

However, there are certain items we cannot accept because we do not have the storage capacity or the manpower to redistribute them. See the bottom of this page for a list of those items, and suggested alternative organisations that do wonderful work and assist asylum seekers.

Dealing with unwanted donated items is difficult, time consuming and can cost us money so it is important this policy is adhered to. If in doubt as to whether or not the ASRC can accept a particular donation please contact the Operations Manager at or by phone.

Items Needed by the ASRC

 

Food

The ASRC Foodbank is the primary source of groceries for over 100 families each week. Donate as an individual or rally others to arrange a weekly donation.

• Read the Workplace Giving you can Taste Booklet and join our Food Action Network
• Download our Donate Food Flyer to find out more and to spread the word!
• You can also read the latest Food Action Network Newsletter

 

Metcards

Many Asylum Seekers are dependent on a donated public transport ticket (Metcard) to reach the ASRC, to access essential services, and to connect with the wider community.

• Donate individual adult one-day Metcards. Value Metcards (e.g. 5 x Daily, 10 x 2 Hour) are not suitable
• Organise an event to collect Metcards or raise funds

Contact for further information.

Medication

Last year the Health Program cared for 93% of Victoria's asylum seekers with health needs. We receive no government funding and rely on donations of money and medicines. We are always pleased to receive donations of medication which:

• is in date and has not been opened or tampered with,
• is a sample (from a doctor), or is over-the-counter medication not prescribed to anyone.

Contact for further information.

 

Mobile Phones

A home phone, and monthly line-rental costs, are beyond the reach of most asylum seekers. A mobile phone is a more viable option, and can be a real life-line. If you have a mobile phone you no longer need, please donate it to the ASRC.

• Working phones will be given directly to asylum seekers. Please provide the charger and ensure the phone is not locked to a specific network.
  
• Non-working phones enable us to raise funds through a recycling scheme. Money raised will be used to pay for Metcards and other essential aid items. 
  

To donate your mobile phone, please deliver it to the ASRC or contact for further information.

Phone Cards

Many of the asylum seekers that we work with have been separated from their families for years. Many were forced to leave their wives and young children behind as they fled for their lives. This ongoing family separation is devastating, but a phone card donation will allow them to stay connected.

• Donate an International Phone Card
  
  • Cards such as Bharat, Estar, or Day&Night are available from your local newsagent, supermarket or petrol station
  • Find the best rates and buy phone cards online through www.phonecardselector.com.au. They will even post cards to the ASRC for free!
• Donate a Prepaid Mobile Voucher of any denomination for any of the major service providers (Optus, Telstra, 3, or Vodafone)
• Organise an event to collect phone cards or raise funds

Contact for further information.

 

Stationery

We welcome new stationery items in good condition which are appropriate for office use. For more information contact .

Ex-Corporate Computers

ASRC offices are largely equipped with recycled desktop computers. Corporate donations of Desktop PCs (at least six of any one model, in full working order) are by arrangement only. We cannot accept Home PCs or equipment.

Please contact with details of your offer, including hardware specifications.

Items the ASRC Cannot Accept

• Clothes: try the Salvation Army Migrant Services, 16-18 Tinning St, Brunswick


• Furniture: try Australian Red Cross, 23 Villiers St, North Melbourne. Tel (03) 8327 7883


• Whitegoods and Electrical items: try The Brotherhood of St Lawrence, 130 Barkly St, Brunswick. Tel. (03) 9385 6101


• Home Computers and Printers: try ComputerBank, 488 Victoria St, West Melbourne. Tel. (03) 9600 9161


• Household Items: try The Brotherhood of St Lawrence, 130 Barkly St, Brunswick. Tel. (03) 9385 6101

If you have any queries, please contact the Operations Manager at or by phone.