Students commit to changing lives globally
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Despite the challenges experienced locally with the recent bushfires, students throughout the Archdiocese have committed to helping those in need globally through the annual Project Compassion campaign.
At the schools launch of the Lenten Appeal at St Francis de Sales College in Mt Barker on February 19, Fr Philip Marshall said it was everyone’s responsibility to answer the ‘cry of the poor’. This message was reiterated by Fr Richard Morris at the parish launch for the appeal held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Mt Barker, on Saturday February 22.
With its 2020 theme of ‘Go Further Together’, Project Compassion serves to raise awareness and much needed funds for Caritas Australia’s long-term development and emergency relief programs, which helps millions of people each year.
Some of those being supported this year are indigenous people in the Philippines who face discrimination, disadvantage and displacement from ancestral lands.
Limited education, employment and unequal access to healthcare mean that preventable diseases, such as tuberculosis and measles, are common and the maternal and newborn mortality rate is high. Around 20 typhoons lash the Philippines each year, adding to the challenges faced by the country’s most marginalised and vulnerable people.
Through funds raised by Project Compassion, Caritas Australia is assisting vulnerable communities in the Philippines to become ‘architects of their own development’, through a holistic development project which secures income, improves education and access to goods and services.
Caritas Australia CEO Kirsty Robertson said despite the challenges in our own country, it was important to recognise our responsibility towards “creating a more just world, at peace and free of poverty”.
“We encourage everyone to support Project Compassion which is now in its 55th year, so that we can continue to transform lives, strengthen the resilience of communities and contribute to peace and stability,” she said.
“I’m humbled by the generosity of our supporters right across the Australian communities and the difference that makes in changing lives globally.”
Last year more than 1000 parishes and 1300 schools throughout Australia helped to raise $10.7 million through Project Compassion. In South Australia, a total of $650,000 was raised during the six-week campaign.
Students from St Francis de Sales, St Aloysius College, St Dominic’s Priory School, St Catherine’s, Stirling and St Joseph’s, Murray Bridge attended the launch on February 19.
To donate to Project Compassion visit Caritas Australia’s website www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or call 1800 024 413.
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