St Margaret's News October 2016 | Page 5

The main aims of Anti-Poverty Week are to:  Strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia; and  Encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments. Everyone is encouraged to help reduce poverty and hardship by organising an activity during the Week or taking part in an activity organised by others. Poverty and severe hardship affect more than a million Australians. Around the world, more than a billion people are desperately poor. In Anti-Poverty Week, YOU can help fight poverty and hardship! Anti-Poverty Week is a week where all Australians are encouraged to organise or take part in an activity aiming to highlight or overcome issues of poverty and hardship here in Australia or overseas. It was established in Australia as an expansion of the UN's annual International Anti-Poverty Day on October 17. Some activities are organised by welfare and health organisations, religious groups, community organisations, schools and youth groups. Many other types of organisation also arrange activities, including government departments, local councils, business organisations, universities and sporting and cultural groups. More information is available at http://www.antipovertyweek.org.au/. St Margaret’s News 5 October 2016