Marist volunteering does not stop in times of pandemic

In this time of pandemic, Marist volunteering, both at the provincial and inter provincial levels, has suffered a great impact. Many volunteers had to interrupt their mission and several of them had to return to their countries of origin. Others will continue volunteering in spite of the Coronavirus.

On the other hand, in response to the social and humanitarian crisis caused by the pandemic, many Marists, with creativity and motivation, will not let the spirit of solidarity die by developing in an innovative way the voluntary service, being attentive to the most needy.

In these next few days, we will present some initiatives that have been carried out in different parts of the world, aware that these are only some of the many activities that have been carried out.

Australia

Patrick Cooke and Brad Murphy, international volunteers from the Province of Australia, have been involved in a volunteer work as an intern in Geneva for three months in until late November 2019. As lawyers, the focus of their work has been the collaboration in writing a submission to the UN Human Rights Council for the four-yearly (3rd Cycle) Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Australia’s human rights record. The Marist submission focuses on Asylum Seekers in Australia, particularly those that arrived as unaccompanied minors.

Working together with Br. Angel Diego Garcia, Director of the Secretariat for Solidarity of the General Administration, they have been able to successfully submit, some weeks ago, the UPR to the UN Human Rights Council and now the actual review will take place in January 2021.

This is the result of a long and constant work that has not been hindered nor stopped by the Pandemic.

Compostela

This testimony comes from María José Rodríguez, a volunteer from SED León, Province of Compostela. During the Pandemic, María José has supported the realization of solidarity masks for the ASPACE association (Association for the Attention of People Affected by Cerebral Palsy and Related Encephalitis).

“During these days of pandemic my volunteering has been more motivated, doing it in an adapted way, not only to achieve the objectives designed for this course but also to bring our help to those who may need it. Now our collaboration is more necessary. We cannot stop when we can do something for someone.”