Ash Wednesday on March 2 marks the official launch of Project Compassion 2022, Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten appeal, which runs for the six weeks of Lent.
Project Compassion is one of Australia’s longest running fundraising campaigns and has been a long-standing Lenten fixture in parishes across Australia with its iconic donation boxes. Over the past 57 years, Australians have raised millions of dollars for marginalized communities worldwide.
Caritas Australia helps over 1.8 million people in Australia and overseas every year - walking hand-in-hand with those in crisis.
“As we enter the season of Lent, we are reminded so vividly of the critical role that Caritas plays in supporting vulnerable people around the world,” said Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia.
“As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, it highlights the value of our work with communities over the long-term so that they have support long after the media crews have left, when the dust settles and the world has turned to a new crisis. We work with people who are vulnerable due to poverty, conflict, natural disasters, drought, discrimination and political unrest, and every donation Project Compassion helps make this possible.”
“As Catholics, Project Compassion gives us the opportunity to show our compassion for marginalised communities all over the world. This year, Project Compassion is built around the theme of ‘For All Future Generations’, which is taken from ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations’ (Genesis 9:12).”
Caritas Australia continues to engage with parishes and schools around Australia through online events. This year, Caritas Australia will bring five weeks of online Caritas Q&A’s to over 8000 students across Australia, as well as 30 Parish Caritas Conversations. These online events are one-hour, interactive sessions held over Zoom where you can learn more about the impact of your generous support. Supporters can meet directly with the people who work in the field in partnership with vulnerable communities to create lasting change.
Supporting Project Compassion is the way that Catholics can proclaim the faith that is in their hearts and help our brothers and sisters in need. During Lent, we are invited to take up the call to fast, pray and give alms - in solidarity as a global community.
To donate to Project Compassion, visit Caritas Australia’s website: lent.caritas.org.au or call 1800 024 413.
This year, Caritas Australia is also encouraging supporters to run their own fundraising events.
Media contact: Jessica Stone on 0490 684 867 / jessica.stone@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au.
Caritas Australia is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks in the world with 162 agencies operating in 200 countries and territories.
