poland
“We are all called to charity” is the title of the 63rd Charity Week held by the Polish Catholic Church from 7 to 15 October. The Charity Weeks, which have been held since 1937, are the best-known form of works of mercy in Poland. Their aim is to raise funds to help the disadvantaged, and raise the awareness of public opinion about the needs of the down-and-outs in our society. Over 1500 diocesan Caritas groups with over 60,000 volunteers are now working over the national territory. There are also some 1400 Caritas school clubs that involve some 39,000 children and over 2,000 teachers in charitable projects. This year, for the fifth time, Caritas in Poland has organized a special fund-raising event, and also a collection of foodstuffs and clothing for the homeless. Each day throughout the year Caritas helps to feed some 100,000 malnourished children; it supports centres for unmarried mothers, homes for the victims of violence in the family, dormitories and canteens for the homeless. Organized by Caritas each year, the campaign called “A piece of bread”, on the other hand, has a largely educational aim, as explained by the Director of Polish Caritas Father Marian Subocz: “It’s aim is to help people overcome the fear of and prejudice about the homeless, and teach them not to cancel from their minds those who for whatever reason find themselves confined to the margins of society”.
