Calista woman’s food ration challenge for refugees

A 420g bag of rice, a tin of sardines, a handful each of chick peas and red lentils, a tin of red kidney beans and 300ml of vegetable oil is all you have to live off for the rest of the week.

Do you think you could survive?

This is the reality for Syrian refugees trying to flee their war-torn country and one Calista woman was determined to walk in their shoes by doing the ‘Ration Challenge’ to raise money for them during Refugee Week, June 17 – June 24.

The challenge requires people to be sponsored to eat like a refugee for a week.

Calista resident Chelsea Parmenter was motivated by her young family to take on the challenge.

“I have a young family and I wanted to set an example for them – some families have to live like this,” she said.

“It was really eye-opening to do it for a week then realise this is people’s reality all the time.

“I felt really grateful to be able to do it and for what I have by the end of it.

“This could be anyone’s position particularly with the way the world is at the moment – I could not imagine it.”

Mrs Parmenter said it was hard but she had strong support from her family.

“David (her husband) cooked me bacon and French toast along with the largest cup of coffee – that was the thing I missed the most having three kids,” she said.

Money raised from the challenge will help supply food, medicines and education for Syrian refugees living in camps in Jordan.

It is a tough emotional challenge for participants that helps them understand what refugees experience.

Donations are still welcome for Mrs Parmenter.

Mrs Parmenter had a target of raising $500 and has raised just shy of $400, however donations can still be made until August.

To donate to her or find out more visit https://my.rationchallenge.org.au/chelsea-alice