Sydney
23 December 2001
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Church under fire over carer time-off initiative
University’s compassion is a winner
M5 fun day raises $20,000
Archbishop’s Christmas message
Faith is the key, says new bishop
Facelift for St Brigid’s
Caritas hits record $5.75m
Centacare rewards its volunteers
New auxiliary bishop for Perth
Animal theme wins trip, computer
Our reputation ‘shattered’
Pope’s apology ‘challenges Church’
Editorial: Christmas and the ironies of peace
Letters: Third Rite
Conversation: From pastoral life to priest’s mentor - Fr Julian Porteous, seminary rector
Reflections: Names? They’re not just identity tags
A new era: 2001 in Review
Inspirations: Gospel stories connect the Manger to the Crucifix and Resurrection
Caritas hits record $5.75m
Caritas Australia has raised a record $5.75 million for impoverished communities worldwide in its annual Project Compassion appeal – a 13 per cent increase from previous years.
Jack de Groot, national director of the Catholic agency for overseas aid and development, says the focus this Christmas is on assisting Afghani refugees living in appalling conditions in makeshift camps along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“These innocent people are suffering the consequences of conflict for which they have no responsibility,” he said.
“We are providing essential supplies to help these refugees survive the harsh winter conditions.”
Caritas Australia, through partner agencies on the ground, will be providing much needed water, food rations, temporary shelter, blankets, clothes and medical supplies.
In October Caritas Australia pledged $100,000 to support the work of Caritas Internationalis to help more than 200,000 refugees in Pakistan and more than 200,000 displaced people in Afghanistan to make it through the winter.
Mr de Groot said the contributions of thousands of people through Project Compassion were critical to the success of the campaign.
Funds were also used to help needy communities all around the world.
“Project Compassion provides an opportunity for Australians to give financial support to development,” Mr de Groot said.
“Importantly, it also provides the Australian community with the opportunity to learn about global development issues through our educational campaign.”
Project Compassion is Australia’s second largest aid and development appeal.
Held through Catholic parishes and schools during the leadup to Easter for the past 36 years, it gives individuals and communities an option to observe the Church’s call to give alms during Lent.
To make a donation to Caritas Australia, please call (02) 9956 5799 or 1800 024 413 or send donations to GPO Box 9830 in your capital city.