Catholic Charities of Buffalo begins Appeal 2025 with $8.5 million goal

Catholic Charities of Buffalo launched Appeal 2025 setting a goal of $8.5 million for the 101st annual campaign.

“There are too many on the margins who are struggling,” Daniel Mecca, vice chair of Appeal 2025, said at the Jan. 8 announcement. “Catholic Charities continues to see an increasing need for the services that offer them hope for a better tomorrow.”

“Funds raised for the appeal help to fund programs and services to assist our neighbors who may be especially struggling at these times to make ends meet, or who are facing challenges affecting their health and well-being. Our neighbors in need are facing a challenging year as prices increase. Family budgets are tighter. And many in our community have been faced with recent job cuts. The need for Catholic Charities services only continues to grow,” Mecca continued.

Catholic Charities assisted 147,000 individuals, families and children across all faiths and throughout all eight counties of Western New York last year.

“After more than 100 years, the work of Catholic Charities is deeply woven into the fabric of the broader Western New York community, providing hope for all our neighbors,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Buffalo. “It could be a meal, a meaningful conversation, or job training. But, it is something that gives that certain someone the hope they need that day, in that moment.”

“Hope for all Seasons” is the motto of Catholic Charities, and hope continues to be a core element of the largest social service program in the area. 

Bishop Michael W. Fisher thanked those who have supported Catholic Charities in the past and asked for continued support.  

“Pope Francis has called a Year of Jubilee and he has called all of us to be Pilgrims of Hope.”

This year’s appeal goal is $1 million less than last year’s, but also half a million more than what was collected.

“When setting the goal for this year, we had to consider the challenges and the economic realities faced by our community,” Deacon Schumer explained. “Despite being short of last year’s goal, Catholic Charities served more people as efficiently as possible. … Efficiency has its limits. Even at the $8.5 million goal, our capacity to care for those in need will continue to be greatly tested.”

Deacon Schumer later explained that philanthropy across the nation has been shrinking. Catholic Charities serves those in need regardless of faith denomination, and is asking for support from all faiths. Billboards read, “Hope for all and help from all.”

“We’re inviting the community at large to help us give hope to our neighbors,” Deacon Schumer said.

 Catholic Charities offers more than 50 programs and services throughout the eight counties of Western New York.

Appeal 2025 also supports the Fund for the Faith providing financial assistance to 13 diocesan ministries including religious education, pro-life efforts, and formation for priests, deacons and lay leaders.

This year’s patron is St. Vincent de Paul.

Appeal 2025 continues to June 30. To donate visit ccwny.org/donate, call 716-218-1400, or text HOPEWNY to 44321.