Aim is to maximize impact of donor-assisted programs.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 6, 2026) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has launched its annual “Loaves and Fishes” fundraiser to raise critical funding to ship life-saving aid to more than 130 countries around the globe. Because the cost of shipping critical aid is far less than its value, donations are multiplied many times over. For every dollar donated, Salesian Missions is able to ship $14 worth of critical goods to its programs. The fundraising appeal runs through the end of June 2026.

Aimed at maximizing the impact of donor-assisted programs and answering the call for emergency aid deliveries, the Salesian Missions Property and Logistics Program is made possible by generous assistance from private sector partners.

“Salesian Missions ships critical in-kind donations from our strategic partners to Salesian centers worldwide,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Aid, like food, water, medicine and housing supplies, is provided to Salesian students so they can focus on their education and thrive in their communities. Our strategic partnerships allow us to help at the local level in these communities. It makes a big impact and our donors ensure these shipments continue.”

In 2025, in partnership with Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience, Salesian Missions shipped critical food aid to several countries including Uganda, Timor-Leste, South Sudan*, Haiti and more.

One of the shipments impacted more than 5,000 people, most of whom are internally displaced in Gumbo, on the outskirts of the city of Juba, South Sudan. At the Don Bosco Gumbo Camp, Rise Against Hunger meals, which consist of rice, soy, vegetables and a vitamin packet, were distributed to 2,958 people, ensuring that all the families received essential food supplies. Meals were also served at the Don Bosco School, benefiting more than 1,500 students in the regular morning classes and more than 500 in the accelerated learning program in the afternoon. The meals served during their break provided much-needed nourishment to support their learning and well-being.

At the Don Bosco Gumbo Primary School, James is one of the students who received nutritious meals. Before the Rise Against Hunger meals were introduced, his family often managed only one meal per day. He now has breakfast at school and a second meal when he returns home. This improvement in nutrition has helped him and his classmates focus better in class and improve their grades. James dreams of becoming a doctor if he continues to do well in school.

During one school lunch, James said, “Since we’ve been having these meals, I feel stronger and don’t get tired very fast. These meals are my favorite part of my day. I get to eat with my friends and then play afterwards.”

James is deeply grateful for the support and says that one day he hopes to help others just as he has been helped through the meal program. He has observed that the entire school community is happier and more engaged with the consistent meals. Attendance has improved, and more students come to school regularly.

More than 30,000 Salesian missionaries are dedicated to caring for poor and at-risk youth in programs around the globe. Salesian programs assist youth through education (academic, trade, agriculture) and workforce development initiatives, emergency relief and humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, clean water initiatives, and nutritional and health services.

To learn more and make a donation, visit SalesianMissions.org/content/multiply.

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.

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