Caritas Australia thanks schools and parishes for incredible Project Compassion fundraising over Lent

13 Apr 2023

By The Record

Caritas Thanks Schools
Servite College students sing at the launch of Project Compassion 2023, Tuesday 2 March at Servite College. Photo: Servite College/Caritas Australia.

Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraiser Project Compassion has been a success this year thanks to the dedication and support of more than 1,700 schools and 1,200 parishes across the country.  

Caritas Australia CEO Kirsty Robertson said it has been inspiring to see supporters pull out all the stops this year.

“We’ve seen everything from classic fundraisers like Caritas K’s to dance battles between teachers to raise funds,” Ms Robertson said.

“The energy and passion to raise funds for Caritas Australia has been incredible this year,” she said.

“I want to thank everybody who has been a part of this year’s Project Compassion – whether you’ve put spare change in a donation box at church, or you’ve set up a fundraiser at your parish or school, you have done your part to make the world a better place,” Ms Robertson continued.

“Your kindness and generosity will help us to reach some of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities to face the challenges of poverty. I can’t think of a better way to live out the spirit of Lent than that.” 

Students speak about the work of Caritas Australia, during the launch of Project Compassion 2023, Tuesday 2 March 2023. Photo: Servite College/Caritas Australia.

The launch of Project Compassion 2023 saw more than 200 Masses held across the country with a Caritas Australia Representative speaking about Project Compassion.  

In Perth, more than 2,000 students heard from Caritas Australia’s CEO, Kristy Robertson, who shared her first-hand experiences working with Project Compassion at an event co-hosted by Servite College and St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School.

Kolbe Catholic College held a fundraiser on World Water Day, which saw over 100 staff, students and parents complete a 3km walk carrying a bucket of water.  

Osborne Park parishion Tomas Lauro performs at the launch of Project Compassion 2023 in Perth, at Servite College, Tuesday 2 March 2023. Photo: Servite College/Caritas Australia.

“It is the passion and spirit of our supporters across Australia whose generosity of heart enables us to have our hands and feet in vulnerable communities across the world. When I was at school, I remember that when I put my money in a Project Comparison box, I was doing this because I thought Caritas Australia could change the world. Now I know this to be true. I am so proud to watch the next generation helping us to build a better tomorrow.” 

Caritas Australia is running a matched giving campaign, where every dollar you donate will be matched by a group of generous Caritas Australia supporters.  

Students and teacher view the livestream during the launch of Project Compassion 2023 at Servite College, Tuesday 2 March. Photo: Servite College/Caritas Australia.

Go to caritas.org.au/double-your-impact/ or call 1800 024 413.