Welfare Activities
SydMal’s Welfare Activities
Sydney Malayalee Association (Sydmal) with the valuable support from our volunteers set up Community Response Teams (CRT) to help the community impacted by Covid 19. We managed to distribute our emergency assistance packs to 550 students. We provided 11500 meals to families and International students. With the grant received from NSW government, Sydmal organised distribution of groceries and meals to 330 students. A chartered flight was arranged to India (Kochi) during Covid for 207 stranded passengers.
Sydmal was in the forefront when the flood struck Kerala (India) in 2018. We engaged local communities to raise funds for the flood victims. Sydmal managed to raise $75760.00 (AUD) through fund raising activities conducted in collaboration with various local Government Authorities. Sydmal donated $30783.00 to Kerala Chief Ministers’ Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). We then decided to fund six dwellings for the flood victims through a signed memorandum of understanding between Sydmal and Welfare Services Ernakulam (registered charitable organisation in India).
Sydmal donated $3000 to Salvation Army towards the bush fires of NSW in 2019. SYDMAL set up an Emergency Relief Fund (a provision for emergency help), to render timely financial assistance to deserving people in the event of emergency.
Sydmal Women’s Forum organises women empowerment programs which includes seminars on various subjects (Breast/Cervical cancer, mental health, beauty tips, breathing exercise etc) and other outdoor fitness activities like International Women’s Day walk. Sydmal Women’s forum in co-ordination with Barnardos Australia organised Christmas gifts for 40 children.
Our help desk provide continuous support to new migrants in the initial stage of their settlement and community members as and when required. Our volunteers provide support for new migrants namely, help with Centrelink, providing assistance with transport, organising furniture and household goods from the community.
Sydmal has been organising Senior’s forum for the last five years. This event provides seniors, the opportunity to socialise and participate in cultural activities.
During Covid19 pandemic, Sydmal provided rental assistance of $150 for 16 International students. Sydmal raised funds and provided 30 Smart Television sets to the deserving children in South India to assist with online education. Sydmal has been recognising HSC High Achievers with merit and cash award for the last 10 years.
Sydmal Youth Forum launched Aspire India Scholarship program to support children who are financially disadvantaged to pursue higher education. Currently 20 students benefit from this scholarship.