Caritas Australia has announced the launch of Project Compassion 2025, its Lenten fundraising and awareness appeal. Annually, 1,700 schools and 1,200 parishes across Australia take part, with Caritas Australia calling on the community to Unite Against Poverty for Project Compassion this year.

For six weeks schools, students, parishes, and individuals are encouraged to donate, take on The Long Walk for Water or sign up to Give it up for Lent.

The theme, Unite Against Poverty, resonates deeply with the teachings of Jesus, who showed great care for the poor and marginalised. In Matthew 25, Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

This theme is explored through three inspiring stories of individuals from around the world who have overcome challenges in their own lives and gone on to become beacons of hope and resilience in their communities:

·        Toefuata'iga is a primary school student in Samoa who faced severe challenges and disruptions to her learning due to water scarcity.

·        Lam is a young man with a disability in rural Vietnam, on his journey from isolation to independence.

·        Irene is a single mother living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who, despite experiencing extreme poverty, has become a skilled seamstress.

Kirsten Sayers, Interim CEO at Caritas Australia, said, “Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and almsgiving. It is a time when we are called to examine our lives and make sacrifices to help those less fortunate. During Lent, our challenge is to respond to these stories courageously, with a yes to God’s call to us all, to work towards a world where everyone can live with dignity and hope.”

Those wanting to support Project Compassion, as teachers, students, parishes, or individuals, can click the link below to download resources or start a fundraiser.

To donate, click the button below, look out for the Project Compassion donation boxes, or call 1800 024 413 toll free.