Charity in solidarity: Project Compassion launch 2026

By Heather Excell

“It is not charity from a distance. It is solidarity,” Archbishop Tony Ireland told the congregation gathered for the southern launch of Project Compassion 2026.

Held on 19 February at Corpus Christi Church Bellerive, the Archbishop reminded representatives from schools and parishes that Project Compassion is more than a “program or appeal, but a journey of the heart.”

The theme for the 2026 Lenten campaign of Caritas Australia is ‘Unite Against Poverty’ for 2026, calling Catholics to pray and take action in support of communities facing poverty and injustice.

Archbishop Tony urged those present to view the campaign not simply as a fundraiser, but as a sign of solidarity in a divided world.

“It is recognising that we belong to one human family, and that the suffering of any part of that family concerns us all,” he said. “It is about becoming the people God is calling us to be. People who see. People who care. People who act.”

Tara Harvey, Caritas Australia’s Media Lead, spoke at all Tasmanian launch events, reflecting on how Project Compassion offers us a practical way to help.

“One of my favourite things about Project Compassion is the way it unites us around solutions in a world that can feel really overwhelming,” she said.

Recalling childhood attempts to untangle her grandmother’s knitting, Tara compared global poverty to a tangled ball of wool. Trying to fix everything all at once only tightens the knots, but change begins when the focus shifts to finding an end with a little bit of give to patiently work free.

She explained that by looking at this year’s Project Compassion stories and focusing on their solutions, we can “work together as hands to start to try and untangle some of their problems.”

Diocesan Caritas representative, Penny Edman, said the response across the launches was overwhelmingly positive, with 30 schools and six parishes represented. She said one of the most encouraging aspects of the week was the depth of engagement from students.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, Penny said Project Compassion gives people “a way to respond when the world feels overwhelming.”

She encouraged those who may wonder whether their contribution matters to see their giving as part of something much larger.

“A donation is not just a transaction; it’s an act of solidarity. It says, ‘I see you. I care. I’m willing to share what I have,’” she said.

Archbishop Tony commissioned representatives to return to their communities as ambassadors of hope, inviting those present to unite in prayer and action.

“Because when we unite against poverty, we do more than change lives,” he said. “We become the living compassion of Christ.”