Lutheran Care’s 2024 Lenten Appeal is now live. However, it may look a little different this year.
The annual Lenten Appeal is a key fundraiser for our crisis relief and community programs, and aims to inspire our supporters, as well as the general public, to consider supporting South Australians in need with a financial contribution to Lutheran Care at this traditional time of sacrifice.
Although we’ve changed her name to protect her privacy, this year for our Appeal we share the true story of ‘Abbie’, who came to us in dire straits; six months pregnant and desperate for assistance to help her break the cycle of trauma and addiction she had grown up with, and on the path to provide her newborn a better start to a better life. Such was her determination to be a good mum, she walked an hour in the stifling heat to get to our Blair Athol office and access support. Abbie’s full story is shared on our website. She is just one of dozens of clients we can assist every day, thanks to the generosity of supporters of our Lenten and other appeals.
However, this year, we acknowledge that many households continue to do it tough, and not everyone can afford to give financially.
That’s why as well as fundraising, this Lent we are simultaneously focusing on promoting the other sacrifices or selfless acts we can all make, to spread kindness and show love for our neighbours.
To celebrate the 40 days of Lent, we’ve shared 40 acts of kindness you can perform to make your community a better place.
Lutheran Care’s Executive of Community Services, Susan Richards encourages people to support the Lenten Appeal in the way they choose.
“An act of kindness for Lent may be volunteering your time; going out of your way to be kind to a stranger; or giving blood to give the gift of life,” Ms Richards says.
“So often, kindness begets kindness and a small act like this will be paid forward or inspire someone else to do good, helping achieve Lutheran Care’s primary purpose – to change lives and build communities.
“For those who are in a position to donate to our Lenten Appeal, please rest assured as one of few homegrown South Australian charities, the money you give stays here to support people in need in your neighbourhoods and communities,” Ms Richards.
Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade says, “Every week our Emergency Relief teams are working at or beyond capacity, with the amount of people in crisis and in need growing at an alarming rate.
“The client we assist tomorrow could be the person sitting down from you in your church pew, someone from your parents and friends’ association or someone you meet whilst at the shopping centre.
“Thank you to our regular donors, the loyal Lutheran Church of Australia SA & NT congregations, and each person who feels inspired to support our Appeals, and particularly this campaign via a financial donation or by sharing an act of kindness.
“On behalf of the clients, families and communities we support, we thank you so very much.”
To read Abbie’s story and discover our 40 Acts of Kindness, please visit: www.lutherancare.org.au/lenten-appeal