The Knights of Columbus have launched a new campaign that will greatly expand their support of pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes. Called Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP), the initiative will partner with Knights councils to enhance local support for such institutions.
The announcement came from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, who set the goal of donations at $5 million through the fraternal year, ending on June 30, 2023. The KofC press release noted that these funds will be raised through donations from local councils and the Supreme Council.
Kelly said in the statement:
“Mothers and children need our help now more than ever,” said Supreme Knight Kelly. “As Knights, we are called to courage and self-sacrifice. Standing for life means making personal sacrifices for women and children in need — being willing to give of our time, skills and financial resources, and accepting the fact that the fruits of our labors are often hidden.”
Robust support
The new campaign will expand the support the Knights already offer to pregnancy help organizations and direct help to mothers and babies. The Knights of Columbus have forged alliances with some 3,000 pregnancy resource centers in the U.S.. Since 2009, they have been working hard on their Ultrasound Initiative, which has placed more than 1,550 ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers in just 12 years.
It is estimated that the Knights have performed over 1.7 million volunteer service hours and donated more than $18 million to pregnancy centers and maternity homes between 2018 and 2021. These donations include baby clothes, diapers, food, and other items that mothers of infants need.
These endeavors are part of a long legacy of support for mothers and children on behalf of the Knights. Along with foundational work for widows and orphans, the KofC has also provided some 100,000 winter jackets for children through their Coats for Kids program. Their Food for Families program has also been largely successful, supplying families in need with over 3.5 million pounds of food.
Click here to learn more about the Knights of Columbus’ charitable programs.
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