Project Compassion Appeal 2025
Aspire not to have more, but to be more.
St Oscar Romero
This lent, join millions of Australians working to end poverty and injustice in our world.
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Project Compassion Appeal by Caritas Australia. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.
Toefuata'iga, a 13-year-old student in Samoa, faced severe issues and disruptions to her learning due to water scarcity. After Caritas Australia’s partner Caritas Samoa installed a 10,000 litre water tank at her school, Toefuata'iga and her classmates saw improved health and more consistent class attendance.
Toefuata'iga and her classmates faced frequent early school dismissals and missed lessons due to a lack of clean water. Teachers often had to leave the school to fetch water from nearby homes, adding strain to the staff and local community. The absence of a reliable water source also led to compromised hygiene, increasing the risk of dehydration and waterborne diseases, which affected students' health.
Despite being surrounded by water, many Samoans struggle with consistent access to clean drinking water, and resort to relying on rainwater or neighbours who have access to a water pipeline.
Access to water is about more than convenience. It is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and to helping students like Toefuata'iga fulfil her dreams.
A glimpse into Toefuata'iga’s life with assistance from Caritas Australia
We encourage you to put your compassion into action during Lent through your prayer, fasting and alms-giving by supporting Project Compassion.
Project Compassion boxes and envelopes are available at the back of our churches for donations. You may also donate online via Caritas Australia at the link below.
Donate
`