The Catholic Weekly

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
21 November 2004

Aust group at congress

Working poor numbers on the rise: bishop

Help the needy to happy Christmas

English translation of Mass is ‘top priority’

First priest remembered as friars mark jubilee

‘Separation centre’ trials

Solo parent ministry

Strong new voice in abortion debate

Youth crusader warns on child sex trafficking

Tick for trials

Letters

Help the needy to happy Christmas

By Damir Govorcin

Poverty is not the fault of the poor, says St Vincent de Paul Society chief executive officer Owen Rogers.

“ Some wrongly suggest that poverty is caused by laziness, drug, alcohol and gambling dependence or even ineptitude,” he says.

“ In fact, poverty is caused by problems with our economic structures.

“ The powerlessness experienced by poor people makes them easy targets for blame.”

In launching the Society’s Christmas appeal, Mr Rogers said that 28 per cent of Australian households (more than 4.6 million people) are living on less than $500 per week.

“ With Christmas approaching, as a community we must turn our attentions and efforts towards those people facing financial or emotional difficulties; the poor, the isolated, vulnerable youth, the mentally ill, the homeless, those seeking refuge and the frail aged facing another lonely day,” he said.

“ Many of the elderly men and women in our communities face growing isolation. The frail aged, many suffering from mental health problems and poor living conditions, are at high risk of becoming homeless.”

Paul Pearce, MP for Coogee, handed over a $20,000 cheque from the State Government to kick-start the appeal.

The Society aims to raise $3 million this year. It has invited the community to give cash, clean clothes, non-perishable food and good quality toys to the Society’s centres of charity.

“ The appeal not only raises much needed funds to help us in our mission to assist men, women and children in crisis, but also provides an opportunity for the community to share in this work through their material support,” says Mr Rogers.

Vinnies helped more than 420,000 people in NSW last year; 50 per cent of those assisted were families with children.

Many families cannot provide their children with presents or enjoy a Christmas lunch together. Over the next five weeks, Society members and volunteers will prepare thousands of hampers, providing these families with a present for their children and a meal to share on Christmas Day.

Last year, Vinnies distributed more than 35,000 hampers to people in need at Christmas.

You can help by calling 131 812 or by visiting the St Vincent de Paul Society website, www.vinnies.org.au