Reaching out

University of Otago medical student Fardowsa Mohamed addressed a fundraiser at the Sargood Centre, Dunedin, yesterday to raise funds for the Red Cross Syrian Refugee Appeal.

Miss Mohamed was born in New Zealand, of Somali refugee parents, and said she had found Dunedin - her home for the past five years - a friendly and welcoming place.

Fifth-year Otago medical student Maple Goh helped organise the 4pm fundraiser and art auction, and last year founded a string quartet, called The Tui Quartet, which performed yesterday.

More than 140 people attended the fundraiser, which Miss Goh said had raised more than $1000 for the appeal and also helped raise awareness about the ''unacceptable'' situation faced by ordinary citizens in Syria, and about the needs of Syrian refugees.

The Taiwanese Students Association and the Otago University Students Association international officer provided further support, she said.