There has been great tragedy resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, and so the news we see in the media can often feel overwhelming.
But there are also many stories of hope, of love, and compassion.
World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, is the perfect time to pause and consider the good works of those helping others during this difficult period. It is an opportunity to reflect on how people and broader communities come together to support others in need.
We can’t forget the story of Captain Tom Moore, who walked 100 laps of his garden for his 100th birthday and raised $33 million pounds for the National Health Service in the UK.
Or the story of two young girls in Queensland who used their own pocket money to buy toilet paper for pensioners in their community.
Closer to home, Genazzano FCJ College in Kew worked together while in isolation to knit blankets for the homeless.
And for us here at CatholicCare, we have some good news stories too!
One of our volunteers named Mahbooba in Dandenong handmade 300 face masks for refugees. These masks were posted out to families in our SETS program to help keep them safe during Covid. We thank both Mahbooba and Afghan Women’s Organisation for making this project possible.
Above: Handmade masks made by CatholicCare volunteer.
There are also many lovely stories from our chaplaincy in prisons, where chaplains have continued visiting residents during the Covid lockdown.
‘Many are emotionally drained,’ says one chaplain. ‘It is a long time for some of them without the human contact with their loved ones. They are WAITING for the chaplain and to be able to talk about how they are feeling.’
One resident, in conversation with a chaplain, said ‘You were the first person I spoke to since coming in [to prison]. I was feeling so alone, I had not had a single conversation with anyone that was open to listening to what I had to say, I even spoke to you before my family... I just wanted to say thank you. I don't think I could have gotten through this time without that conversation’.
This year has been a difficult one for many, but we thank everyone who has made a difference – big or small – in the lives of others.
We are grateful for those who have shown courage and compassion to help others; those who go the extra mile to support their family, their friends or their community; and those who spread kindness and smiles to brighten people’s day. Thank you!
Liz Gellel | Communications Coordinator
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