The impact of debt continues to devastate and destroy Australian families - but you can offer hope and a solution! Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is preparing for ‘CAP Sunday’ to help raise the awareness of debt and poverty in Australia. This event is in recognition of National Anti Poverty week, taking place from the 11th – 17th of October.
CAP is a national debt counselling ministry that provides professional debt counselling, practical services and financial education. By offering these services free of charge, CAP equips individuals within the community to start their journey towards financial freedom.
CAP Sunday aims to raise support for the increasing numbers of those suffering from the burden of debt and poverty within our communities. National Anti-Poverty week calls for more action to reduce poverty in Australia and churches across Australia are rising to the challenge through CAP Sunday.
According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, the last 18 years has seen the total amount of Australian household debt rise almost six-fold. This is an overall real term increase of around $910 billion. In 2007, a report from Australia Fair stated that one in eleven families is living below the most austere poverty line.
The theme for CAP Sunday, ‘hope is just a stone’s throw away,’ speaks of the reality of poor and marginalised people in the community and the solution that CAP offers.
Communications and Partnership director, Alison Buttenshaw, asserts that CAP Sunday provides the church a real opportunity to offer hope to families struggling with debt in their local community.
“National Anti Poverty week is about raising awareness of the needs that exist in our own backyards. When we hear the term ‘poor’ we don’t often think about people in our society, which is why National Anti Poverty week is so important. At CAP, we receive dozens of phone calls daily from people who are overwhelmed and trapped by debt. We want churches all around Australia to support CAP Sunday and speak to those who are financially desperate,” she states.
Since 2000, CAP has reached over 3500 people, and continues to reach out to individuals within the community.
Ministries
CAP Sunday – reaching further for National Anti Poverty Week
Thursday, 16 July 2009, 8:16 (EST)
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