Ministries

Strong finish needed for Project Compassion to reach its goal

Lent may be behind us for this year, but Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion is still going strong through the Easter season, and the Church’s international aid and development agency is hoping for a strong finish to the Appeal in order to meet its 2011 target of funds to help the poor.

Caritas Australia CEO Jack de Groot said Project Compassion fundraising hit a new creative high this year, with Catholic communities raising funds through everything from walkathons, to music and movie nights, fun days, busking, cake stalls, online fundraising, Pancake Tuesdays and Fish Fridays.

Many schools and parishes also held special Masses during which Project Compassion was highlighted.

The Appeal has so far raised over $5 million, and with just a few weeks to go before it draws to a close, Mr de Groot said a big final push was needed for Caritas Australia to meet its $9.7 million target.

“We are so thankful to everyone who has given to Project Compassion this year,” he said. “The sheer inventiveness of some of the fundraising events, especially in schools, has been fantastic to see.

“Many of these events also included an educational component, so that people came to know, often through hearing first-hand accounts, how the funds raised through Project Compassion really do change the lives of people living in poverty.

“If you missed the opportunity to donate to Project Compassion through Lent, but would like to give to the Appeal before it closes, you can play an important part in helping us to reach our goal and in so doing, you will be helping those in need.”

Mr de Groot said Project Compassion not only supports long-term development projects in over 35 countries, but also enables Caritas Australia to initiate rapid response to emergencies the world over.

Caritas Australia partners with local communities in addressing the causes of their poverty and bringing about long term change. It supports programs for human development and self-reliance. These include improving health, overcoming illiteracy, reducing environmental damage, conserving cultural identity and providing training for better agricultural practices.

For more information, visit www.caritas.org.au

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