Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
MEDIA RELEASE – fOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 June 2013
Donations to Bishops’ Lent Appeal top one million dollar mark
Caritas Director Julianne Hickey says the generosity of New Zealanders will bring joy to the hearts of many, as this year’s Lent Appeal tops one million dollars for the first time. The Appeal is run by Caritas on behalf of New Zealand’s Catholic Bishops to support the Church’s work of promoting social justice and full human development, especially for the world’s poorest people.
‘Last year, Lent donations exceeded $900,000 for the first time,’ says Director Julianne Hickey. ‘Now, New Zealanders have gone even further. I find it incredible and energising to see this commitment to alleviate suffering. From the ‘widow’s mite’ contribution of people providing a few dollars a week through the Lenten envelopes, to one-off contributions of thousands of dollars: all are appreciated, all are valued, and all show the Catholic community’s caring heart of concern for the poor.’
‘Lent is our single largest fundraiser of the year, comprising nearly a third of our public donations,’ says Mrs Hickey.
‘These contributions enable us to respond immediately when disaster hits, such as the cyclones that hit Samoa and the Philippines last December. They support long-term programmes helping poor communities meet their needs, such as for better water and education in the Solomon Islands.
‘At home, high-quality advocacy work has continued, including prompting decision-makers to consider the common good and impact on the poor of new legislation on housing and resource management. Our Justice Leadership Days with senior secondary students around the country encourage a truly Catholic response to global justice issues by our young leaders.’
‘We’ve released a short ‘thank you’ video online for our supporters in acknowledgement of their efforts. The video showcases some of the places and people who benefit from donations to Caritas. Our latest Caritas Update newsletter out this week also profiles recent work achieved.’
Funds to 17 June totalled $1,000,271.60, including $51,129.80 from schools. However, donations continue to come in from some parishes and schools, so the total will rise even higher.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.
ENDS.
For more information contact Martin de Jong +64-4-496 1782 or +64-21-909 688.
All Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand media releases are available on www.caritas.org.nz
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Martin de Jong
for our supporters in acknowledgement of their efforts. The video showcases some of the places and people who benefit from donations to Caritas. Our latest Caritas Update newsletter out this week also profiles recent work achieved.’ Funds to 17 June totalled $1,000,271.60, including $51,129.80 from schools. However, donations continue to come in from some parishes and schools, so the total will rise even higher. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories. ENDS. For more information contact Martin de Jong +64-4-496 1782 or +64-21-909 688. All Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand media releases are available on www.caritas.org.nz
Martin de Jong