Catastrophic Floods in Brazil Showcase the Unity of the Brazilian Community in Australia
Image Credit: Vini Paiva
Recently, Brazil gained international attention for the floods that struck the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.
The State of Rio Grande do Sul. Source: Wikimedia
The Brazilian community in Australia, estimated at 46,720 people by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, mourned the loss of over 160 victims of the floods and responded by organising a financial support network to assist those impacted.
This wave of solidarity began on Mother’s Day in Sydney. A local charity bazaar, initially a garage sale, expanded significantly after being shared on social media and attracting ~5,000 views. Thabata Espíndola was one of the organisers who has been living in Australia for 12 years and played a crucial role. "I am not from the south of the country, but my first friendships here were with two women from Rio Grande do Sul, so I have a special affection for that region," emphasised Thabata, who managed to organise the bazaar in just five days along with a team of 150 volunteers.
The event drew over 800 attendees and raised a total of AUD$30,200. This success was just the beginning. A few weeks later, another fundraiser was held, raising AUD$40,000.
Attendees at the charity event in Sydney on Mother's Day (above) and sticky notes displaying messages of hope (below). Image Credit: Camila Lumes.
The Movement in Australia
Given the impact of the floods on nearly all of the 497 towns in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazilians across Australia, feeling powerless and distressed by the situation, began implementing similar initiatives in their cities. Solidarity bazaars were organised in Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, and New Zealand.
Inspired by the action in Sydney, Vanessa Lemes organised a fundraiser in Adelaide. "I was deeply moved by the situation of the people, realising that I have a safe place for my daughter to sleep, while many mothers in the south cannot provide the same for their children," said the scientist who has lived in Australia for 10 years.
She mobilised a group of Brazilian mothers in Adelaide, who quickly got involved, establishing 15 collection points that received everything from clothing and accessories to financial donations. These efforts also gained the support of Brazilian entrepreneurs and the local community.
Simultaneously, a group of Brazilians originally from the south, distressed by the situation, undertook fundraising efforts. Gabriel de Melos Silva, an entrepreneur who has lived in Australia for five years, raised AUD$1,600 to buy an inflatable boat to rescue people and animals, as well as food and medicine. Feeling compelled to do more, Gabriel, together with friends including Vanessa, organised an event featuring traditional southern Brazilian barbecue. Together, they gathered over 60 volunteers and Brazilian bands in a city park, attracting attendees beyond the Brazilian community and thus expanding the impact of the charitable action.
Organisers (above) and part of the volunteer team (below) at the solidarity bazaar in Adelaide. Image Credit: Vini Paiva and Amanda Gregorio.
This event not only drew participants in support of the victims from Rio Grande do Sul but also provided a pleasant afternoon for those in the local community.
Ian Netolick, originally from the Czech Republic and living in Australia for ten years with a Brazilian partner, highlighted the welcoming and friendly nature of the Brazilian people.
Australian Andrea Ferguson, an Adelaide local, discovered the event through a local group and drew a parallel between the adversities faced by both states. “While Brazilians are suffering from the floods, we are here dealing with dry conditions in South Australia,” shared the speech therapist.
Solidarity bazaar in Adelaide. Image Credit: Vini Paiva
Everyone took part in the charity event, whether by purchasing items, or making financial donations.
Brazilian hairdresser Rodrigo Mendes, living in Australia for eight years, donated 20 vouchers for haircuts and shared his personal experience of the tragedy. His family in São Leopoldo, a city affected by the floods, escaped with only the clothes on their backs. "I learned of the tragedy when a friend asked if my family was okay. When I managed to speak to them, my brother told me they were woken in the middle of the night with water up to their beds," Rodrigo recounted. Currently, his family is living in another family-owned house that was not affected by the floods. They are also sheltering other neighbours and receiving aid through basic food baskets and donations.
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View of Rodrigo's family house in São Leopoldo, where the street has turned into a river and the water level has reached the roofs. Image Credit: Personal Archive
Further fundraising events have been scheduled for the coming weeks to provide more economic support to the region.
Funds Distribution
The funds received have been managed by Casa (meaning home), the only Brazilian nonprofit registered in Australia.
Since its launch, the campaign in Australia has officially raised over AUD$218,361.00 (approximately R$746,797.01) and has been aiding more than 25 local communities in Rio Grande do Sul two to five times a week. “This ensures rapid and consistent support for those in need, providing essential assistance including food, hygiene, and cleaning products, in compliance with Australian laws,” states Emilie da Silva Stratford, the Brazilian founder of the nonprofit and Australian resident of 19 years.
Donations from the Brazilian community in Australia to the victims of the foods in the South of Brazil. Image Credit: CASA
Despite Brazil gaining visibility due to a tragedy, rather than for its vibrant culture or natural beauty, Brazilians find some hope in knowing that the best of Brazil are the Brazilians.
This popular saying - which holds great strength in the country- has been proven through these support networks. When historic public management fails to make the right decisions and weather conditions result in tragedies, the solidarity network always springs into action.
Author Bio: Thais Martins is a Brazilian Journalist and Marketing & Communications Specialist currently based in Adelaide, Australia. She is highly involved with the Brazilian diaspora in Australia and interested in social justice and societal change.
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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Australia Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue.