At the end of 2024, CDF had the privilege of working alongside our clients, Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH), CatholicCare Victoria, MacKillop Family Serivces and Sacred Heart Mission, to spread Christmas joy, hope, and compassion to individuals and families in need.
Each year, our clients rely on donations from everyday people, and corporate partners like CDF, to help ensure that the festive season is a time of care and connection across communities.
Villa Maria Catholic Homes’ (VMCH) annual Hamper Appeal was their largest yet with 850 hampers distributed to those in need across their network of affordable homes, home care, and disability services. These hampers, filled with essential items and festive treats, brought comfort and joy to those most in need.
“We all (residents) really appreciated the hampers and were very pleased to get one. I think it means a lot to a lot of people, especially if they’re alone (around Christmas). There is a beautiful saying that goes a bit like this … Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind always.”
says VMCH affordable homes resident Bobbie.
CDF not only contributed towards the hampers, but team members took the time out of their day to personally deliver the hampers alongside VMCH staff.
“We are very grateful to the support CDF gave us and very excited that the team enjoyed the experience.”
Elizabeth Winston, VMCH, Pastoral Care & Mission Support Manager
At
CatholicCare Victoria, the annual
Carry-a-Can campaign mobilised community support to address food insecurity across the state. Staff from CDF dedicated their time to pack over 580 hampers containing a variety of pantry staples, these were sourced and donated by various individuals, schools and organisations. The hampers were distributed across the CatholicCare Victoria network, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Dandenong, Epping, Geelong, Horsham, Melton, Mildura, Shepparton, Warragul, Warrnambool and Wyndham Vale.
“Each food hamper, filled with love and care, is a beacon of hope for families struggling during this festive season. CDF’s contributions have made a tangible impact on our community. Thank you for embodying the true spirit of Christmas and for being a part of something truly special. We couldn't have done it without you!”
Agnes Sheehan, CEO CatholicCare Victoria
MacKillop Family Services also made Christmas brighter for children and teens in foster care through their Christmas Gift Appeal. Over 700 families received the magic of Christmas through donated items, highlighting MacKillop’s commitment to creating nurturing and joyful environments for vulnerable children.
Sacred Heart Mission’s Dining Hall in St. Kilda provided meals to people experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage throughout the festive season. During the Christmas season, CDF staff volunteered to serve meals, offering not only food but also a sense of connection and community. Sacred Heart Mission’s commitment to supporting individuals through their Dining Hall, 365 days a year, is a reminder of the importance of dignity and care for all.
Building on the spirit of our Christmas giving campaign, we invite you to put your faith into action with CDF. Your savings will not only earn a competitive rate of interest but also support organisations like VMCH, CatholicCare Victoria, MacKillop Family Services, and Sacred Heart Mission to continue their vital work in the community. Together, we can empower these vital missions to live out the Gospel’s call to serve and bring hope to those in need.
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CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
