2000

15th March 2000
Rutherford School Children Helping Build Better Future
With Easter fast approaching, it's again time for Project Compassion - one of Australia's largest fundraising appeals for overseas aid and development.

Organised through parishes and schools by the Catholic Church's aid and development agency, Caritas Australia, Project Compassion traditionally begins during the first week of Lent (March 8 2000) and continues until Easter Sunday (April 23 2000).

Raising $4.6 million annually, Project Compassion gives Australians an opportunity to support development programs in virtually every developing country in the world.

Project Compassion 2000 was launched, nationally, last Tuesday (March 7) at Old Parliament House, Canberra. The Hunter launch of the 36th annual Project Compassion takes place tomorrow (March 16) at St Paul's Catholic Church, Rutherford.

Caritas Australia's Income Development Coordinator, Mr Salil Wilson, will officially launch Project Compassion during a liturgy involving the children from St Paul's catholic primary school.

During his address, Mr Wilson will share some experiences from his recent visit to Kenya. He will outline some of the development work which Project Compassion assists, and "how it's changing people's lives and giving them new opportunities".

According to Reverend John Taylor, Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Director of Caritas Australia, the theme of Project Compassion 2000 is "Help Build a Better Future Now".

"From its early days Caritas Australia has been involved in promoting a just and compassionate society at home and overseas. This is particularly important in this Jubilee year 2000. It is a time for us to 'Help Build a Better Future', and to make it a reality 'Now' for millions living in poverty in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific," Rev Taylor said.

Join us at this year's Hunter launch of Project Compassion tomorrow (Thursday March 16) at 10.00am. St Paul's Church is located at 10 Young Street Rutherford.

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