HONG KONG (SE): The Lenten Campaign for 2024 raised a total of $6.49 million, $0.41 million less than last year, the chairperson of the Lenten Collection and Allocation Committee, the group’s spiritual advisor, Deacon Vincent Chan reported at the conclusion of the year.
The global and local economies have been facing significant challenges. However, it is encouraging to see the ongoing efforts made by parishes and schools. With the support of parish priests and school principals, a total of $2.87 million was raised from parishes, $2.72 million from schools, $216,974 from Catholic institutions, and $684,468 from individuals.
The encouraging results demonstrated strong support for the Lenten Campaign, despite the current constraints and restrictions.
On behalf of the Allocation Committee, Deacon Chan expressed gratitude to all the donors who made efforts and sacrifices to help those in need by responding positively and generously to the appeal.
He acknowledged that the Allocation Committee was aware of the reduced collections. Given the current social and financial conditions, he noted that there would be an increasing need to address the suffering of the underprivileged by expanding the range of services offered.
The figures represented the Church’s synodality and the importance of sharing resources and caring for those in need.
On behalf of the Allocation Committee, Deacon Chan expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their financial and spiritual support. May the Lord bless and keep all the donors and receivers. Every positive and generous attitude is a treasure in the eyes of God.
The committee considered the size of the collections and recognised that, given the current social and economic conditions, there would be an increased demand for resources from the community. Therefore, the committee has decided to allocate a total of $7.0 million for the 2024 budget. This amount includes $6.49 million raised from collections, along with an additional $0.51 million from the reserve.
Funds have been allocated to various charitable activities, with $672,000 going to 17 parishes for charity work, $89,500 to 36 secondary schools for service projects, $500,000 for overseas emergency relief as a sign of universal solidarity and $5,738,500 to nine welfare agencies.
The distribution of funds to welfare agencies is as follows: $5,216,000 to Caritas-Hong Kong for various service programmes; $7,500 to the Faith and Light Community HK for services aimed at people with mental health issues; $13,000 to St. Camillus Benevolent Association for support services for the physically afflicted and the elderly; $48,000 to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate for counselling and growth support for hearing-impaired students; $100,000 to St. Peter’s Revival Association to assist discharged inmates with rehabilitation and employment programmes; $100,000 to the Chain of Charity Movement for caring for elderly individuals who live alone; $45,000 to Mercy HK2020 Ltd. to subsidise funeral expenses for the homeless; $59,000 to Diocesan Reception Group to assist with living expenses for religious individuals from Mainland China visiting Hong Kong for pastoral formation; and $150,000 to the Rehabilitation Light Up Education Fund of the Catholic Church for the living expenses of discharged youth inmates during their transition to normal life.
Details of the 2024 collections and allocations can be found on the Lenten Campaign website at http://Lenten.catholic.org.hk
