*Sr Rita Malavisi RSJ with her her Volunteer of the Year fundraising award. PHOTO: Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Facebook page.*

Josephite Sister Rita Malavisi has been awarded as Volunteer of the Year by the Fundraising Institute of Australia for her work to support refugees and asylum seekers.

The FIA Awards for Excellence in Fundraising recognise and showcase outstanding initiative, innovation, effort and success in fundraising.

"The award gives meaning to the countless many, who fear persecution and flee their homelands to seek asylum in this country,” Sr Rita said.

“I chose to volunteer with the ASRC more than 17 years ago because as a daughter of immigrants from the middle east, Australia opened its doors to my family.

“I see the unjust treatment of those seeking asylum, and I continue to harness my energy into advocating for justice and raising awareness of their plight.

“I have spoken to thousands of students, hundreds of staff at schools, and numerous Catholic parish groups, as well a band of audacious nuns to raise funds for the ASRC. The effort is not mine alone."

This article was first published on the Facebook page of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.