Williamstown’s Olly Tripodi is running for some of Australia’s most vulnerable people as an entrant in the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s Run 4 Refugees.
Mr Tripodi says boat people have been politicised and maligned by both sides of politics.
“I think they’re an incredibly vulnerable demographic in our society,” he said.
“All the numbers aside about how many refugees or asylum seekers we accept, they’re demonised in so many different parts of Australian media and Australian society as a whole.
“And that’s what I care about – they’re incredibly vulnerable people and we don’t seem to understand that, on the most part.
“I think the ‘stop the boats’ policy is ridiculous. The idea that it’s a choice for individuals to get on a boat and come to Australia as a lifestyle decision is laughable.
“People don’t get on a boat with their family if they’re safe where they are.”
More than $60,000 has been raised to date by individuals and groups entered in Run 4 Refugees, which is part of the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday, October 13.
Mr Tripodi will run 10 kilometres and aims to raise $400 for aid to asylum seekers.
“The resource centre, other than giving them a lot of support in terms of financial aid, skills training, giving them purpose through volunteerism and what not, actually does a lot to reverse those stereotypes,” he said.
“They’re usually at the forefront for organising rallies and lobbying.”
» run4refugees.gofundraise.com.au/page/Ollysrunforrefugees
