Leeza Darsmase was overjoyed last week as she played with new toys donated through the Footscray office of AMES Australia.
The four-year-old arrived in Australia five months ago with her father, Sri Lankan asylum-seeker Thavachelvam Darsmase, mother Maragadam and nine-month-old sister Lydia after the Tamil family fled their home to escape the aftermath of the civil war.
“The children are very happy with the toys,” Mr Darsmase said. “They love them and we’re very thankful.”
The toys were part of a load delivered by staff from the Department of Human Services Refugee and Asylum Seekers Victoria team.
The toy drive was the brainchild of DHS staff member Steve Flounders, who launched it during Refugee Week.
“Coming to a new country is difficult, even more so for children,” he said.
