Tiny Gift, Big Heart: Marayong parish group reaches out to refugee family with heartfelt support
In a remarkable display of community spirit, a social justice group at St Andrew’s Parish in Marayong has devoted a ton of support and assistance towards a refugee family of four, which will soon mark the end of a year-long journey of assistance, fundraising and advocacy as part of the ‘Tiny Gift/Big Heart’ project.
The group, known as SAMRO (St Andrew Marayong Refugee Outreach), was formed under the Australian Government’s Community Refugee Integration Settlement Pilot (CRISP), in collaboration with Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. It is made up of 10 parishioners with varied professional backgrounds, including teachers, a nurse, accountants, a priest, IT and risk specialists, and a former case worker.
Despite their differences, the members were united in helping a refugee family navigate their new life in Australia.
About the Tiny Gift/Big Heart Project
The Tiny Gift/Big Heart project was the group’s final initiative for the year, following a series of fundraising events designed to support the family’s settlement needs. These events included a concert, a bric-a-brac sale, a movie night featuring Cabrini, and a raffle with a special prize – a hand-knitted blanket donated by Parish Priest Fr Kevin Redmond.
Funds raised from these events went directly towards assisting the refugee family with their immediate needs, such as temporary accommodation, rent, income support, food, clothing and furniture. The family recently secured long-term rental accommodation as a result of SAMRO’s advocacy efforts.
Beyond financial aid, the group offered practical support, helping the family adjust to life in Australia by providing guidance on government services, education, health care, transport, and daily needs.
Some members of the group even dug into their own pockets to provide extra support where needed – including renting out their first home!

A stall on Sunday 8 December at St Andrew’s Parish aimed to raise funds for a newly settled local refugee family. Image supplied.
“The generosity of our parishioners has been overwhelming,” said Linda Bravo, a group spokesperson. “From the start, we’ve received tremendous support from the Marist fathers Fr Kevin Medilo and Fr Kevin Redmond, Catholic Care, St Vincent de Paul and our community. Together, we’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of this family, and that has been incredibly rewarding.”
Despite the challenges faced throughout the year, the group remained resolute, drawing strength from their faith and their shared commitment to social justice.
“There have been difficult moments, but we faced them together with empathy and solidarity,” said Erna, one of the members. “We believe we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us,” added Maureen, another member.
Catholic Care, the Diocese of Parramatta’s social welfare agency and a key partner in the initiative, provided valuable assistance throughout the project, offering resources and support that helped guide the family’s integration into their new home.
Community Outreach Worker, Migrants & Refugees, Rita Hakkoum and community support group coordinator Linda Bravo said it has been fantastic to see the success of the Tiny Gift/Big Heart project, which not only provided tangible aid but also built lasting connections and friendships.

The family hand-made goods, along with volunteer parishioners, for sale at the Tiny Gifts Big Hearts parish stall. Image supplied.
“The family is now well on their way to settling into their new life in Australia, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the social justice group, parishioners, and partners like Catholic Care,” Linda said.
The group’s work, though coming soon to a close, will leave a lasting impact on both the refugee family and the volunteers involved.
“We’ve given what we could but in the end it’s the love and care that really matter,” said Socorro, a group member.
Fr Kevin Medilo SM, the former spiritual director of the group, was also deeply involved throughout the year before he commenced in a leadership role in the Philippines. His previous experience working with refugees in Thailand was an invaluable asset to the project, offering insight and guidance as the group navigated the complexities of refugee support.
As the group looks back on the success of the Tiny Gift/Big Heart project, they remain committed to their mission of social justice and supporting the most vulnerable members of society. While their formal support for this family may soon come to an end, the spirit of compassion and community will continue to thrive at St Andrew’s Parish.
This initiative serves as a reminder that, even in small ways, acts of kindness and generosity can have a profound impact on those in need.
If you’re interested in forming a refugee support group in your parish or community (groups require at least five members), please contact Catholic Care.