TODAY is Ash Wednesday and it marks the official launch of Caritas Australia’s annual Project Compassion appeal that 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 marginalised communities worldwide.
“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,” Caritas Australia chief executive officer Kirsty Robertson said.
“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.”
Ms Robertson said Project Compassion gives Catholics “the opportunity to show our compassion for marginalised communities all over the world.”
This year’s campaign theme is “For All Future Generations”, which is taken from the Book of Genesis (9:12): “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”.
Find out more about Project Compassion at lent.caritas.org.au.
