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18. 11. 09. - 16:00

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18. 11. 09. - 16:00

Caritas pledges 'sea of candles' against poverty

By Thomas Hochwarter

Catholic charity Caritas said today (Weds) it is to light thousands of candles across Austria to raise awareness of poverty and social inequality.

The "sea of candles" events will be held at main squares in the cities of Vienna, Graz and Klagenfurt as well as in the Styrian towns of Murau and Kapfenberg tomorrow.

The candles will be lit at 5pm, Caritas representatives said, adding that the Vorarlberg city of Bregenz will have a "sea of candles" on 12 December.

Caritas President Franz Küberl said every candle represents an individual and his or her power to make a difference.

Earlier this month, Caritas teamed up with electricity provider Verbund to create a new Electricity Assistance Fund to help Austrians in need.

Around 400 to 500 households will receive support paying their energy bills.

Caritas President Franz Küberl said people threatened by poverty normally did not have money for energy-saving appliances such as high-standard insulation.

Verbund chairman Wolfgang Anzengruber said the electricity provider will contribute one Euro per customer to the fund annually. Verbund has more than 200,000 customers.

Austrian Times

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