The founder and chief executive of a Melbourne charity supporting asylum seekers has made a tearful appeal after the organisation was targeted by thieves for the second time in just a few days.
Kon Karapanagiotidis, who runs the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), revealed that the charity’s Footscray site had been broken into twice within 48 hours, causing significant distress and disruption. He shared the news in an emotional video posted to X on Wednesday.
“I’ve been here since 4am this morning, we’ve had doors kicked in, glass broken,” Karapanagiotidis said in the video. “Over these two days, we’ve had laptops stolen, nappies, sleeping bags, thousands of dollars worth of pre-paid Myki cards, and emergency packs taken. The place has been turned upside down.”
Since its founding in 2001, the ASRC has been a vital lifeline for asylum seekers, providing food, assistance with refugee status applications, and support for employment. Karapanagiotidis noted that in the months leading up to Christmas, demand for the charity’s foodbank services had surged by 50%.
The burglaries are expected to cost the charity tens of thousands of dollars, not only in stolen goods but also in repairs and the necessary security upgrades.
“At the end of the day, we’re just going to have to dive into our savings,” he said. “We can’t afford to stay closed, we have over 7,000 people relying on us.”
The ASRC has provided CCTV footage to the police, who are investigating the break-ins. Despite the emotional toll, Karapanagiotidis expressed compassion for those responsible.
“I know there are so many Australians doing it tough right now with this cost of living crisis,” he said. “I’m trying to remain compassionate. But who robs a charity? Especially twice?”
The impact of the thefts, Karapanagiotidis said, was deeply painful. “They’ve taken from the mouths of families—that’s what makes it so painful.”
The ASRC is now appealing for donations to help recover from the losses, with Karapanagiotidis urging anyone who can to contribute via the charity’s website or by dropping off food at their donation locations.
Source: 9News.
