Share Lent goal – $10M

Canadian Catholic News
Ottawa

Development and Peace hopes to raise $10 million in its annual Share Lent campaign to raise funds and awareness of the Catholic organization's development work with the poor and marginalized in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

"The season of Lent is a moment of reflection on our role in the world and how we can act for change in the face of such injustice," said Development and Peace executive director Michael Casey in a March 1 release marking the campaign launch.

"Jesus did not simply talk about the difficulties faced by the poor; he shared his own life with them.

"Through his actions, he brought them dignity, joy and hope and showed us what our response must be."

The campaign will feature special events and speaking tours with "solidarity visitors" from well-established groups that Development and Peace partners with overseas.

The Share Lent campaign comes to a close April 2, a day known as Solidarity Day.

"The aim of the campaign is to raise the level of public awareness about the importance of standing in solidarity with struggling communities in the global South, and the funds to continue to support community development projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America," states the release.

Water will be the special focus of this year's campaign under the theme Thirsting for Justice to ensure that water resources are not further privatized, shutting out the poor in the South.

Share Lent will earmark 10 per cent of its donations to respond to worldwide emergencies.

Last year, Development and Peace participated in 72 emergency aid programs.

Launched in 1967 as Canada's official Catholic overseas development organization, Development and Peace promotes awareness about the causes of poverty and underdevelopment through education and action programs in Canada and solidarity with people in the global South.

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