The United States development arm of the Salesians Missions of Don Bosco has launched its annual Loaves and Fishes fundraiser. It is aimed to raise critical funds for shipping life-saving aid to more than 130 countries worldwide.
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$14 in aid for every $1 donated as Salesian Missions maximises global shipments
The initiative delivers exceptional value. Also for every dollar donated, Salesian Missions ships $14 worth of essential goods to its programmes.
The Salesian Missions Property and Logistics Programme, which maximises the impact of donor-assisted efforts. It also responds to emergency aid requests, relies on generous support from private sector partners.
“Salesian Missions ships critical in-kind donations from our strategic partners to Salesian centres worldwide. Aid, including food, water, medicine and housing supplies, reaches Salesian students so they can focus on their education and thrive in their communities,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions.
In 2025, Salesian Missions partnered with Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit helping underserved communities achieve food security and resilience. It ship vital food aid to several countries, including Uganda, Timor-Leste, South Sudan, and Haiti.
One shipment alone impacted more than 5,000 people, most of them internally displaced in Gumbo, on the outskirts of Juba, South Sudan. At the Don Bosco Gumbo Camp, Rise Against Hunger meals reached 2,958 people, ensuring every family received essential food supplies.
The school also served meals at Don Bosco School, benefiting over 1,500 students in the regular morning classes. Additionally, more than 500 in the accelerated learning programme in the afternoon.
South Sudan student James sees grades rise
Among the beneficiaries is James, a student at Don Bosco Gumbo Primary School. Before the Rise Against Hunger meals arrived, his family often managed only one meal per day.
He now eats breakfast at school and a second meal when he returns home. This improved nutrition has helped him and his classmates focus better in class and raise their grades. James dreams of becoming a doctor if he continues to perform well in school.
“Since we’ve been having these meals, I feel stronger and don’t get tired very fast. These meals are my favourite part of my day. I get to eat with my friends and then play afterwards,” James said.
James expressed deep gratitude for the support and said he hopes to one day help others just as the meal programme has helped him. He has noticed that the entire school community has become happier and more engaged thanks to the consistent meals.
Meanwhile, more than 30,000 Salesian missionaries worldwide dedicate themselves to caring for poor and at-risk youth. Salesian programmes assist young people through academic, trade, and agricultural education, workforce development initiatives.
In another development, Catholic charities of the Archdiocese of Miami will close a shelter for unaccompanied migrant children. They will also lay off more than 80 employees after the Trump administration declined to renew an $11 million grant with the agency.