From the CEO

Contribute to the work of Caritas - You can make change happen

Caritas Australia CEO Jack de Groot.

Often in my enthusiasm to tell you about the work of Caritas I do not leave much opportunity to refl ect on how God motivates Caritas’ work of compassion to our world’s most vulnerable and forgotten people. It is that same experience of a God who loves humanity that motivates your fi nancial support to us. Thank you to all who have given so generously to our 2007 Project Compassion appeal. The funds you give are so important to the many in our world who remain in such great need.

We were shocked during Holy Week to hear of the tsunami and earthquake in the Solomon Islands. For many residents of the western islands of the Solomons who already suffer great hardship in the struggles against poverty, this disaster was a further burden.

It was pleasing though, that the strong relationship we have on the ground in the Solomons was able to bring quick relief. Caritas Australia, through our local Caritas and Church partners were able to deliver almost immediate assistance. When tragedy such as this occurs it also provide opportunities. We have the chance now to support the people so badly affected by the tsunami to achieve a new and better standard of living. Caritas Australia has been working in the Solomon Islands for over a decade and we are committed to its long term development. Your support here can really make a difference.

It is a wonderful moment when any of us are filled with optimism for the future and such was the occasion at our recent Festival of Global Concern.

Hundreds of senior school students and their dedicated teachers from across the country, ventured to Sydney to discuss social justice issues under the theme, ‘Generation Y Not?’. Festival participants were inspired by Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez and prominent Australians who are active in promoting social justice. A key feature of the weekend was to inspire action in the community and we look forward to seeing the power of these amazing people taking full fl ight in making our world a better place.

Our current strategic planning process is coming to its conclusion and I am pleased to report that we are continuing in our planning for Caritas to grow in our response to the challenges of degrading poverty. Importantly, our impact and innovations are achieving real successes in our overarching aims and we remain committed to a more just and sustainable world. In the fortieth anniversary of Populorum Progressio we continue to strive to meet Pope Paul VI’s evocation to “work together to build the common future of the human race”.

Sincerley,

Jack de Groot

CEO Caritas Australia