THE INTERNATIONAL development charity has begun fundraising for its Christmas Appeal and supporters are getting involved by taking part in carol concerts and holding collections during Advent services.
East Cardiff Christian Aid Group is working with its church partners, and has collection tins at different venues, including the café area at Pontprennau Community Church, and the Churches Together Shop in Maelfa Llanedeyrn. This collection is an ecumenical project which provides support to the community, such as information, items and services to people living in East and North Cardiff.
This Christmas, the focus of the Christian Aid appeal is on the plight of the millions of people forced to flee their homes because of conflict, and people from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are sharing their stories to raise.
Millions of families, forced to flee the violence between multiple armed groups and government forces, now live in overcrowded, unsanitary, makeshift conditions with limited access to food, clean water and electricity. Vital infrastructure has been attacked, including hospitals, banks, schools and markets. The hospitals which remain open are overwhelmed and struggling to treat the wounded. With banks forced to shut for months at a time, those who can earn money are unable to access their pay, pushing their families into crisis.
David Collins, East Cardiff Group Organiser, is also lending a hand with the organisation’s social media campaign. He will be featured in a post aimed at getting people to imagine what it much be like to have to leave your home in a time of war, and what you might take with you.
David said: “If I had to flee home with just one item, it would have to be my iPad as I rarely go anywhere without it, which is why it’s looking so scruffy. As we contemplate our own possessions and lifestyles it is a sobering thought to remember those less fortunate.
“The impact of poverty, conflict, social injustice and the climate crisis will impact significantly on so many people this year and it is important to remember our all our neighbours this Christmas, including those in other countries.“
Christian Aid has worked with local organisations in the DRC since the 1970s and is currently helping people in camps and villages who have had to leave their homes.
Supporters like the East Cardiff group will be raising funds for the work of Christian Aid’s partners who provide cash assistance so people can buy essential supplies such as food, medicine or bedding; give people better access to clean water; and provide support for survivors of rape and gender-based violence.
Donations will help people with immediate needs – £3 could buy the mosquito net that protects a child from contracting malaria and £13 could buy the tarpaulin, ropes, hammer and pegs which make a shelter for a family who’ve fled their home. The funding also supports people in the long term to develop sustainable incomes which increase their resilience to the many challenges they face.
To find out more, please visit Christian Aid’s website.
