In its 56th year, Project Compassion is one of Australia’s longest running appeals, and has been a long-standing lenten fixture in parishes across Australia with its iconic donation boxes. In this time, Australians have raised millions of dollars for marginalized communities worldwide. Project Compassion 2021 was launched in Catholic schools in Western Australia on Tuesday, 16 February. By Amanda Murthy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buC0--N2pRc “For over half a century, generations of Australians have participated in Project Compassion. The initiative has raised millions since it began in 1965 – making it one of the nation’s longest running charity campaigns.” For many Australians, including Caritas Australia’s CEO Kirsty Robertson, Project Compassion’s iconic collection boxes have...

Arsad, an Indonesian farmer, had no toilet at home and was often sick due to open defecation. Through Caritas Australia’s support, Arsad and his community improved hygiene and sanitation and funded their toilets.

Oliva, 22, could not read, write or count, and her business was losing money. Then she attended Caritas Australia-supported literacy and numeracy classes and set up a home classroom to teach her neighbours.

In its 56th year, Project Compassion is one of Australia’s longest running appeals, and has been a long-standing Lenten fixture in parishes across Australia with its iconic donation boxes. In this time, Australians have raised millions of dollars for marginalised communities worldwide. Project Compassion 2021 was launched in Catholic schools in Western Australia on Tuesday, 16 February. By Amanda Murthy.

Margret is a vocational school teacher for deaf students in the Solomon Islands that suffered long-term water shortages and damage from Tropical Cyclone Harold. With Caritas Australia’s support, Margret’s school installed water tanks, repaired cyclone damage, implemented COVID-19 prevention measures, and is now planning to boost food security.

Jamila is a Rohingya refugee living in a camp in Bangladesh with her elderly mother and baby daughter. With support from Caritas Australia, and through Caritas Bangladesh, Jamila has access to emergency food, shelter, counselling, and vocational training to support her family.

Project Compassion this year prompts the Catholic community to ‘Be More.’ With five Masses held over last weekend, 13 and 14 February, the annual initiative led by Caritas Australia, seeks to stand in solidarity with people around the world who continue to face the injustice of poverty. By Amanda Murthy.