Australians have given more than $1 million to Caritas Australia's Project Compassion over the past two and a half weeks, which the organisation says displays the nation's commitment to eradicate global poverty.
The annual Lenten appeal, which calls on Australian families and schools to support Caritas' emergency response fund and development work in more than 30 countries, raised over $8.7 million in 2009, the group said in a statement.
Caritas Australia's CEO, Jack de Groot has set a target of $10 million for this year's campaign.
"Donations assist Caritas to work in partnership with communities who are improving their own lives through projects which focus on education, health, water and sustainable agriculture: priorities which are set out in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals," he said.
"Project Compassion also supports our emergency relief efforts in disaster-stricken nations like Haiti and Chile, ensuring an immediate and efficient response to communities in crisis."
"We're thrilled with the generous support we've received from parishes and school students so far, but we've set the bar high this year and there's a way to go," Mr de Groot said.
FULL STATEMENT
Project Compassion donations exceed $1 million in two weeks (Caritas Australia)