Project Compassion is the main appeal for Caritas Australia and has been supported by Our Lady Star of the Sea for many years. Our support throughout this season of Lent helps to change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people living in poverty. Please access this page if you would like to see some of the stories of those that Caritas has supported. Students are asked to give generously throughout Lent by making small sacrifices and donating coins using the Project Compassion boxes in each classroom. 

Caritas Australia is also working directly with Caritas Ukraine at the moment. 

‘We are one of the few NGOs in Australia with a direct partner on the ground in Ukraine, and therefore are doing all we can to contribute to the urgent needs of people in Ukraine.Caritas Australia has committed to supporting partner Caritas Ukraine with their humanitarian response.” They are implementing: 

• Safe collection centres with information, referral services (medical, legal etc), free meals, water, hygiene supplies and psychological care for families as they flee to safer territories,
• Transportation services to help displaced families move through conflict zones safely and reach friends, family and services providers,
• Child evacuation and protection for children residing in group homes and state care, as well as specialised psychological and recreational support once relocated,
• Collective emergency shelters with regular meals and hygiene facilities for families with no other accommodation options,
• Child friendly spaces with sports, recreational activities and psychological care to support children and youth who have experienced trauma from the conflict, 
• Case management and psychosocial support to families in need. 

If you are wondering how to best support Ukraine through Caritas; 

• We are accepting funds through our Ukraine Crisis Appeal, to provide support and learn more, visit https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/ukraine/
• We encourage supporters to donate to their preference between the Ukraine Crisis appeal and Project Compassion. 
• All funds raised through the Ukraine Crisis Appeal go towards Caritas Ukraine for immediate humanitarian response in Ukraine, and to support displaced people in neighbouring countries in coming weeks. The Ukraine Crisis Appeal is separate to Project Compassion.

As a community, we will be giving a portion of the funds raised this year through Project Compassion to Ukraine. Every little bit helps! 

Rebecca Nancarrow

Religious Education Leader