Your purchase of Global Gift cards this year will make a real difference, helping to bring the gift of education, food and protection to families struggling with poverty, disability and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our beautiful gift cards start from as little as $15 and come in both printed and e-card versions.
Could you imagine having to face this year, with the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while living in poverty with a disability?
In the photos, you’ll see nine-year-old Phuong who lives in Vietnam. He was born with hydrocephalus, a medical condition which causes seizures and makes speaking and walking difficult. Because of his fragile bones, Phuong was often in hospital and his parents struggled to give him the special care he needed. Van, his mother, was afraid her son wouldn’t grow into adulthood.
Through the Empowering People with Disabilities program run by Caritas Australia’s partner Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) in Vietnam, Phuong attended community-based classes and Van received special guidance on how to care for her son, including regular home visits from a rehabilitation therapist.
As part of the program, Van and her husband also joined a support group for parents of children with disabilities and participated in livelihoods training to help boost the family income.
Despite the challenges, Phuong is making progress every day. “I learnt simple counting, how to put letters together to make words and colouring pictures,” Phuong says. “Now, I often play with my brothers, building things together after dinner. Also, we colour pictures and study together, as I can guide them a bit,” he says.
Van and Phuong embody the story of Christmas and the story of Mary and Jesus. A mother whose love is unconditional and a son whose spirit is unbreakable. By helping mothers like Van this Christmas, our generous supporters will enable more children to have inspirational transformations like Phuong’s.
Help children living with severe disabilities by giving the Gift of Education: a gift that will help increase confidence and social participation. Give those living in poverty the Gift of Food: a gift that will help equip and nourish vulnerable families to become healthier and stronger. Give communities fighting COVID-19 the
Gift of Protection: a gift that provides hygiene kits including face masks, soap and gloves, and prevention education.
No matter which Global Gift you choose, you will be helping families living in poverty to overcome the challenges they face in building brighter futures for themselves.
Global Gifts cards available for purchase at: www.globalgifts.org.au (printed and electronic options).
https://sandhurst.catholic.org.au/item/1765-caritas-global-gift-send-joy-across-the-globe#sigProId122ace517f