Caritas from the Latin word meaning ‘love and compassion’ is one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies. Caritas encourages Catholic schools, like Santa Maria College, to participate in Project Compassion in Term 1. Jillian Landers, Head of Mission, explains why Santa Maria College participates and why you should too.

What is Caritas Day and how does it fit in with Project Compassion?

Caritas Day is when Project Compassion is launched for Santa Maria. It is a campaign that has run for the past 5 years. It gives the girls a sense of fundraising for those who are less fortunate.

How can the College community contribute to Project Compassion?

Students are asked to donate $1 a week over the six-week campaign. Staff are also asked to contribute. Why $1? Caritas explains that in developing countries, people are able to live on $1 a day. You can find out more at ‘What Your Dollars Can Do’ on the Caritas website.

Anything else you would like to add?

As the government is giving less money to charities such as Project Compassion, it is important that we step in and help. At Santa Maria, that is who we are. We are fortunate to live in Australia and we should share what we have.

It is important that we donate to those who are less fortunate. We have the opportunity to change lives.