Grassroots support for family seeking asylum

Romy and nine of her friends raised $650 for the boys’ travel, accommodation and registration costs.  

Head coach of the Budokan club Rob Katz said one other sponsor had contributed $250 to support Shaheen and Hussain and added that the club’s members had agreed to waive the boys’ membership fees.

“There was general surprise regarding the plight of the family and a great willingness to support and assist them as far as the club could afford to give them opportunities that otherwise would not be available to them,” Mr Katz said of people’s reaction to the family’s story.”

The Moghadamshaidie family, who live in North Parramatta, are enthusiastic club members, Mr Katz said, helping out at social and fund-raising events, such as a recent barbecue. The boys were training hard five days a week with the club and NSW team for the National Judo Titles in Wollongong, June 6 to 9, he said.

Ali Moghadamshaidie said his family was very grateful for the support. “Yes, very happy, very surprised,” he said, “because some people give their money to help our boys.” 

Support for Shaheen and Hussain can be directed to Rob Katz at: rob.katz@defence.gov.au 

………………………………………………END……………………………………………………

Media enquiries:

SSI Online Communications Coordinator, Callan Lawrence, 0478 156 491, or, 02 8799 6746

SSI Marketing and Communications Manager, Angela Calabrese 0401 284 828