Students at St Anthony’s Primary School Kedron are turning Lent into action, taking part in a hands-on fundraiser for Project Compassion, aimed at supporting communities living in poverty.
Carrying Water To Build Understanding
As part of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion campaign, the Kedron school held its annual Walk to Make a Difference fundraiser, with students carrying buckets of water as they walked laps of the school grounds. The activity is designed to help children better understand the daily challenges faced by millions of people who do not have access to clean water.
“By carrying buckets of water while walking laps of their school, students are invited to step into someone else’s shoes and better understand the physical effort and challenge involved,” principal Martin Wilkie said.
In 2025, St Anthony’s Primary raised $5,399 for Project Compassion.
What Is Project Compassion?
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising campaign focused on alleviating poverty and promoting justice for vulnerable communities. Each year, it encourages Australians to stand in solidarity with people in need by supporting projects both in Australia and overseas.
A Network-Wide Effort During Lent
The initiative forms part of a broader effort across Brisbane Catholic Education schools, with Project Compassion officially launched on February 16 during a liturgy led by Archbishop Shane Mackinlay. Hosted by Caritas Australia at the beginning of the Lenten season, the campaign has inspired around 80,000 students across the Brisbane Catholic Education network to take part.
Other schools participating in similar annual initiatives include St Agatha’s School in Clayfield, St Ambrose’s Primary School in Newmarket, and Unity College in Caloundra.
Support from Other Communities
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, the community raised $3,665 for Project Compassion in 2025 and is aiming to exceed that total this year.
Principal Warren Fields said the campaign reflected a strong culture of generosity within the school community.
“The spirit of compassion is seen across this school community,” he said.
He highlighted the efforts of families in 2025, including a Year 1 student, Mariella, who asked for donations in place of birthday gifts to support families in need. She raised $913, which was shared between Mater Little Miracles, Children’s Hospital Foundation, Paradise 4 Kids and Make-A-Wish Australia.
Mr Fields also acknowledged students Isabella, Emilia and Scout, who together raised more than $150, and Mary, Mikey and Louis, who raised over $600 for the initiative.
Published 18-February-2026
