In 2016, I signed up as a volunteer with The Refugee Buddy Project in Hastings. The charity was established to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum into the town. I then began creating audio & visual content for the charity on a freelance basis.

It began with “Mother, I Miss You”, a video I made in conjunction with women in our community who wanted to send messages to their mothers who remain overseas. I was honoured to create a space for these words of love.

This project had no budget and a fast turnaround time.

Written and edited by Leigh Malaihollo.

Artwork by Lily and Melisande (age 6) Gutierrez.