"Open your hearts!" - under this name, the Catholic Caritas has once again launched its national Advent initiative this year, so that Christmas for children and families living in poverty can also be dignified and full of hope. The launch of the aid campaign was announced on 24/11/2023 at the National Headquarters of Caritas by Ms. Anita Herczegh, Goodwill Ambassador, and Gábor Écsy, National Director, at a press conference combined with a musical craft workshop.
As part of the campaign, they gladly accept 'angel bundles' and monetary donations, which will be used to bring joy and support to those in need, and throughout December, they will assist the impoverished by distributing long-life food packages.
First, Gábor Écsy, National Director of the aid organisation, greeted the attending families and the guests from Ormánság involved in the 'Catching-Up Settlements' programme, who participated in an Advent wreath-making activity combined with a musical performance. Gábor Écsy stated: "The symbol of a heart formed from snow, held in an open palm, signifies that the opportunity to help is in our hands. By opening our hearts, we can warm others' cold homes and turn their struggle-filled days into a celebration. Love can become tangible if we give something to others that brings them joy, helps them out of trouble, or if we simply present them with a gift so they can experience that they are not alone."
Anita Herczegh, Goodwill Ambassador for Caritas, has supported the versatile work of the aid organisation for many years. At the launch of this year's Christmas campaign, she considered it especially important to draw attention to the power of giving. "One can bravely join major
charitable organisations, such as the Catholic Caritas, which year-round implements an inexhaustible array of helpfulness, donation, and attentiveness, whether it concerns the impoverished, refugees, the homeless, disadvantaged individuals, people with disabilities,
and any segment of society that needs a little attention, and it must be noticed that they are lacking and in need. […] Let us realise that this is what makes the holiday beautiful: that we share what we have with others. Any of us can pass on love, and
thereby make someone else's holiday a little brighter." After the official event, Ms. Anita also joined the musical Advent preparations. Thanks to Róbert Orsós, an associate of the Somogyapáti Presence Point, participants were able to make Advent wreaths to guitar music, singing together, and upon departure, every family received a long-life food package so that their festive table would not be empty.
Not only at the National Headquarters, but in every corner of our country, Caritas volunteers organise numerous programmes: throughout winter, they distribute tea and warm meals to the homeless and those in crisis situations, supporting hundreds of families with stoves and, in several cases, firewood. On 10/12/2023, on the 'One Million Stars for the Poor' solidarity day, community candle-lighting events are organised nationwide to draw attention to the poor living within arm's reach. Hungarian families beyond the borders are assisted with food packages, heating devices, sweets, and other gifts before the holidays.
As part of the 'Angel Bundle' gift collection campaign, packages can be prepared and dropped off for children in difficult circumstances at any Caritas collection point until mid-December. Details can be found on the
www.angyalbatyu.hu website. Caritas also accepts gift packages and monetary donations at its market stall set up at St. Stephen's Basilica.
With the help of donors, Christmas can become a true celebration for tens of thousands of children nationwide, and many people living in difficult situations can endure the cold winter days more easily. From 24/11/2023, there are several ways to join the national initiative:
By calling the 1356 donation line, you can support the work of Caritas with 500 Forints.
Through online donation, any amount can contribute to the Christmas aid programme and Caritas' year-round activities. Details can be found on karitasz.hu.
Through
diocesan Caritas centres and advertised collection points, local programmes can also be supported with in-kind or monetary donations.
Help us to help!
Please join Caritas' Advent initiative if you can, encourage your acquaintances, and spread the word so that we can reach even more families in need than before!
Source: Catholic Caritas
Bank Account Number: Raiffeisen Bank 12011148–00124534–00100008
Donation Line:
1356
karitasz.hu – online donation
Good News Press Office/Diocese of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza