Refugee Renaissance for World Refugee Day

I am happy to announce that Christian Action’s newly renovated Centre for Refugees (CFR) is ready to open its doors and welcome back Hong Kong’s asylum seekers and refugees in time for World Refugee Day on June 20!

Last August, a fire caused by a faulty AC unit destroyed the office area of the CFR and we were forced to suspend all programmes and services. Through generous donations from the community, we were able to both rebuild the damaged area and renovate the rest of the CFR, which was also at fire risk.

Rob Farrall is a selfless volunteer who has freely given his time and effort to oversee the renovations. He started volunteering at CFR in 2019 and used his wealth of work experience to help the Employability Programme with marketing. When the fire devastated CFR, Rob stepped up and offered to help with fundraising and liaising with third party architects and contractors.

He was so effective and enthusiastic, that two months after the fire in October 2020, I asked Rob to manage our CFR team on a temporary basis, which he humbly accepted. His 3 objectives as the interim manager were to restore the CFR space, team, and programmes and services. This was a massive undertaking and I am very grateful and amazed by his willingness and ability to take on this project.

A major role that Rob played was leading the CFR staff in temporary operations and relocating them to the 16th floor to regroup and plan for the future. This was extremely challenging because the space where they were working was simultaneously being renovated. Rob guided the CFR staff from disorganised chaos to structured tranquillity.

“Rob helps us from the sheer goodness of his heart. He is the liaison between CFR and head office. He is like a multi-bridge that connects us all.” –Jennifer Moberg Mforte, CFR Programme Manager

“I volunteer because I love being part of a team. Even though I give a lot of my time, I also get a lot out of it. I learn so much about other cultures and people than I would have otherwise in my sheltered life.” –Rob Farrall

We are all anticipating the re-opening of our Centre for Refugees! It truly is a renaissance and testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness.

“Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)