Christian Aid

Christian Aid week 2009 raised £1246.25 (£588 gift aided)

Many thanks to all donors and collectors, if you missed out and would still like to give - please visit the Christian Aid website

Christian Aid is a charitable organisation which was set up after World War 2 to help homeless people in foreign countries to try and rebuild their lives.

Where does all this money go?

The money raised for Christian Aid is sent to partner organisations in poor countries, where it is used to improve health and sanitation, to finance self-help projects and education programs, and for many other schemes which improve the lives of those in need. The people we help do not have to be Christian - disaster and famine strike people of all faiths and all need support equally.

This year the focus is on the Democratic Republic of Congo. After ten years of conflict people are still suffering from malnutrition and preventable diseases. Christian Aid's partner organisation, Humanite Nouvelle, is working with young people from destitute families, trying to stop them taking to the streets to make money and instead give them a chance to continue their education and learn a skill for life, so that they can support themselves and their families.

There are many ways to help Christian Aid - here are a few:-

• By giving during Christian Aid week, or at any other time
• By leaving a legacy
• By supporting the Friday lunches during the summer in Westgate Church
• By becoming a Christian Aid collector which merely involves giving up a bit of your time during one week of the year.
• By buying fairly traded produce, which ensures that growers receive a fair wage for their labours.

If you would like any more information, or if you would like to become a collector yourself, please contact Anne Albon.

If you would like to know more about Christian Aid, please visit www.christianaid.org.uk