Caritas extends thanks for Project Compassion success

Dear Archbishop Christopher [and Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese],

Thank you for your support and that of your parishioners who walked in solidarity with the world’s poor during Project Compassion 2015.

I’m very pleased to inform you that this was a record-breaking year.

Together, as the Australian Catholic community, we raised 11.6 million largely due to a big increase in both engagement and fundraising activities from schools around the country. We also saw considerable increases in donations from individuals.

It was humbling to see this incredible generosity, particularly because it did not come at the expense of support that Caritas Australia also received for the Pacific and Nepal Emergency appeals.

In the 2014-2015 financial year, Canberra-Goulburn raised a total of $345,562 for Project Compassion, and $680,444 in general and emergency donations.

In 2015, 98% of parishes and 97% of schools in your Archdiocese participated in Project Compassion. We were very encouraged to see so many additional Canberra-Goulburn schools participate this year (participation was up 33% which is extraordinary) and very much hope to build on this commitment in future years.

Your faithful support and commitment to engage Canberra-Goulburn parishes and schools in Project Compassion each year is appreciated.

We would greatly appreciate any attention or endorsement you could provide in 2016 by encouraging your school communities to wholeheartedly embrace Project Compassion and its theme – Learning More, Creating Change.

Caritas Australia

End poverty

Promote justice

Uphold dignity