May 31, 2020, Marayong NSW – Stargazers Production franchisee and producer of Miss Earth Australia (MEA) joins in the efforts to help out the stranded International students in NSW. In cooperation with Adhika Inc, the Miss Earth Australia Food Drive was attended by 41 international students who are currently experiencing hardships due to the effects of the lockdown laws.
In an official statement given by the MEA National Pageant Director, Julieta de Leon, she said “Miss Earth Australia responds to the current COVID-19 crisis by extending our advocacy of community service to our international students in this time of uncertainty. MEA is committed to helping anyone of assistance – regardless of their immigration status.”
Present during the event were Miss Earth Australia 2019, Susana Danielle Downes and the 2019 Elemental court, Sheridan Mortlock (Air) and Brittany Dickson (Charity) who helped in distributing food packs, groceries, gift vouchers and some cash to the students still following strict social distancing rules and personal protection equipment (PPE’s) to the international students in attendance. To date, international students make a significant contribution of billions to the Australian economy with their numbers increasing each year.
The MEA Food Drive was supported by the following groups: Ella Kusinera, LEN Realty, MonsterMinds, Superior Bakeshop (Mt. Druitt), and Bhajune Hair and Make-up Artist. “We are just overwhelmed by the turn-out and appreciation from everyone we helped. It gives me joy to see that we here in MEA is part of a community who not only cares for our environment but also deeply cares for each other – lifting each other up in service of our neighbours who are in need,” adds Maria James the founder of Miss Earth Australia.
According to MEA Managing Director, Marc Baylon, “This is just the start. So we would like to extend our invitation to everyone who would like to become partners and donors in future food drives of Miss Earth Australia. I also want to thank our current community partners, donors, supporters and volunteers who helped us make this food drive a success especially Tita Josie Musa the President of Adhika Inc.”
STUDENT FEEDBACK:
The Miss Earth Australia and Adhika, Inc., true to their advocacies, have joined hands in a Food Drive on the 31st of May 2020, at a humble home at Shedworth, Marayong, and gave foods, cash, groceries and grocery cards, and kind donations to students. We, the Filipino Student Society, was tapped as a marketing arm to the event to invite and tag students, especially those were severely affected by the lockdown restrictions of universities and closedown of businesses. Seeing these advocacy groups pooling up support and donations from their sponsors and community members was such a humbling experience. Students from nearby and far unis (some coming from Manly and Gosford), who were reached by e-media, dashed to the venue and ferried home bags of foods, groceries and grocery cards, and kind donations. Beholding the gratefulness in the faces of the students and volunteers alike is testament to the unity of humanity that can cure and bring warmth amidst the crisis. Truly, the superpowers of love and care work wonders!
Ferdinand Merlin – UTS
"Adhika and Miss Earth Australia did a great job in providing support to Filipino International students in Sydney especially those who are new and those who became unemployed after the lockdown. It truly reflected the Filipino culture of Bayanihan. That is, whenever we are there will always be a Filipino who is willing to help and comfort. It was also an opportunity to meet other Filipinos from around Sydney and signifies that the Filipino culture is alive and will stay alive."
Sherwin Verdun-USYD
Camaraderie and care have always been in the heart of Filipino culture. With this in mind, Miss Earth Australia in partnership with Adhika Inc. lived this spirit with the recently concluded Food Drive for Filipino International Student in New South Wales. The event was held with success being able to cater to the intended recipients exhibiting the care for students who were impacted with the pandemic losing jobs and those who just arrived intending to secure a degree but confronted with the compromised situation. Seeing the smiles of these students exemplifies the Filipino essence looking after each other ready to extend help and comfort. Indeed, where ever part of the world, Filipinos will always have the heart for one another. Thank you for Adhika and Ms Earth for spearheading this meaningful event.
Jerrielyn Lewis – UTS FOH
To express your interest in participating in the next food drive as sponsor, donor or volunteer, you can get in touch with MEA through: corporate @missearthaustralia.com.au (with subject: FOOD DRIVE) or via mobile number 0482560503.