Screenshot from the Caritas Australia website
---
Caritas Australia has urged all Australians to remain in "solidarity" with "vulnerable communities", as 64 million more people across the glob plunged into extreme poverty in the past year, reports The Catholic Weekly.For all those who experience natural disaster, for all those who bear the burden of intractable poverty, the value of your steadfast support and solidarity is immeasurable," the organisation's chief executive officer, Jack de Groot said.
Mr de Groot said that solidarity also marked the generosity of Caritas partners who responded in compassion to Australia's own recent flooding disaster.
"Our partners in Sri Lanka, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Brazil have offered their solidarity and prayers as our nations experience historic flooding; though Australians may have greater resources to recover, our partners know that human suffering is not a numbers game.
"It is this solidarity and determination to uphold human dignity that connects us with the rest of the world; that inspires our partners to extend their support; and that motivates Australians to contribute financially in times of dire need – be it to their neighbour somewhere in Australia or a community in the furthest reaches of the world."
Mr de Groot said that in the past year Caritas Australia has shared in the "abundant reward of creating a more just global community, committed to the eradication of a poverty that robs men, women and children of their inherent dignity and their rights"
He said Caritas Australia was again charged this year "with supporting the world's most vulnerable communities in the face of increasing poverty and decreasing resources".
"In the past year an additional 64 million people were plunged into extreme poverty; though the global recession has taken its toll on Caritas Australia, their commitment to empower the poorest of the poor is now not only dutiful but imperative," he said.
The "historic Lenten fundraising appeal" – Project Compassion – had reached a record tally last year, "a mammoth $9.3 million".
Comments