Catholic Charities of Buffalo has announced a goal of $9.5 million for its 2022 annual appeal. This year's theme is "Hope."
The total was unveiled Wednesday by Bishop Michael Fisher, along with Catholic Charities President and Chief Executive Officer Deacon Steve Schumer and campaign co-chairs attorney Thomas Beecher Jr. of Phillips Lytle and WBFO contributor Dr. Nancy Nielsen of the University at Buffalo.
“The Appeal allows Catholic Charities to use the money where its needed most from providing for basic needs and emergency assistance for clients to filling the gap for counseling sessions,” said Nielsen. "Your support provides HOPE to so many of our neighbors of all ages and faiths year-round.”
Fisher noted the "great needs in our community" due to the COVID-19 pandemic, promising to "do whatever we can to provide a helping hand."
Collections will be tallied until the end of Catholic Charities' fiscal year, June 30, with hopes to meet or exceed the target. The past three campaigns have fallen short of their goals, but drive officials said they have not had to make any major cuts, with about 400 employees serving 57 programs and services at 80 locations across the eight-county Buffalo Catholic Diocese.
