Caritas Australia has announced that more than 760,000 people were directly supported through its long-term programs and emergency responses over a 12-month period.
Caritas said more than 90 national and international partners were fundamental to the success of these programs.
Key milestones in the year to June 2023 included the election of Caritas Australia chief executive Kirsty Robertson to vice president of Caritas Internationalis and this year’s Project Compassion campaign, where supporters, including schools and parishes across the country, raised $9.5 million.
Advocacy efforts also saw Caritas Australia taking a report on climate impact in the Pacific to COP27 in Egypt, working with First Australian partners ahead of the Voice to Parliament referendum, as well as playing a lead role in the “Help Fight Famine” campaign, which contributed to securing $69 million from the federal Government to tackle the global hunger crisis.
Across the year, more than $1.7 million was raised for the people of Türkiye and Syria, and more than $2.6 million to support other emergencies, including people suffering the effects of war in Ukraine and the Africa food crisis.
In Ukraine, this translated into 1.9 million people receiving food packages, 690,000 receiving hygiene kits and 290,000 benefitting from protection services.
“Across what can feel like never-ending crises, Caritas and the Australian Catholic community stands collectively with our brothers and sisters across the world, offering a beacon of light and hope,” Ms Robertson said.
“We thank you for your ongoing support and the steadfast solidarity that you provide us and the communities we serve.”
FULL STORY
Caritas Australia celebrates directly supporting over 760,000 people in 12 months (Caritas Australia)
