Loungeroom concert rocks for Caritas

Gary Pinto (top left) with his band CDB perform at the online concert (Caritas Australia)

Over 500 Australians took a seat on the sofa for an hour of musical power gifted by talented local and international artists. United in solidarity, the audience raised emergency funds for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion COVID-19 appeal whilst being serenaded by Australia’s leading local and international music stars.

Aria Award-winning artist and musical mentor, Gary Pinto, led a star-studded line-up featuring Guy Sebastian, Mark Lizotte (Diesel), Prinnie Stephens, Fr Rob Galea and other talented musicians who generously gifted a song for an extraordinary cause. The inspirational hour brought a welcome respite for the energised congregation of homebound fans, invigorated by the eclectic musical performance.

Gary Pinto, has over 30 years of industry experience and recently penned the song ‘Walk with Me,’ for Project Compassion. “Caritas Australia works quietly behind the scenes, delivering long-term programs and essential humanitarian and emergency services, globally. Thanks to the generous support of the Australian public, they carry on working for a peaceful, equitable and just society with profound respect for human dignity. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Caritas family and through the magic of music gifting my talents to support this extraordinary work.” Gary said.

Caritas Australia is the international aid and humanitarian development agency of the Catholic Church in Australia, operating in 23 countries throughout the world in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, the Middle East and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally and its impact is amplified for those living in communities already vulnerable to poverty, malnutrition and without access to adequate sanitation.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2017, two billion global citizens lacked access to basic sanitation facilities and only 45 percent used a safely managed sanitation service.

Caritas Australia CEO, Kirsty Robertson, says funds raised during the ‘Walk with Me’ Loungeroom Sessions will support Caritas Australia’s work around the world including their response to the COVID19 pandemic in vulnerable communities at risk of infection, as we all try to contain the spread of the virus.

“We are currently responding to the hardest-hit countries, including the Pacific Islands, Bangladesh and Cambodia, which have limited access to proper sanitary living conditions and medical support, even before the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Robertson said. “The people in these communities are facing a dual crisis at this time and your donation will truly save lives.“