Seven days to make a difference
Jill Charlish, Christian Aid coordinator, introduces this year’s Christian Aid Week and other activities planned later in the year.
Firstly, thank you so much to the fellowship of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Shoreham beach community for their support for Christian Aid Week 2024. Our fundraising featured the legendary red envelope deliveries, a supportive Church Fellowship and collection, plus a super team of volunteers.
The Big Brekkie too, was a lovely community event, blessed with sunny weather. Our generous guests, along with the envelope collections, helped us to raise nearly £2000.
This fantastic amount went to support the inspirational ongoing work of Christian Aid in Burundi where, as an example, ladies like Aline were supported by Christian Aid local partners to help set up Savings and Loan Associations. (VSLA's). These community led groups have increased since the initiative in 2024, allowing local people to save or borrow money they need to start or expand a business and help transform their lives.
Christian Aid Week 2025
This year Christian Aid week is May 11th-17th and the money raised will help to fund projects in Guatemala where farmers like Amelia and Aurelia, need support to help to combat extreme weather conditions. Their filmed story is being shown on May 11th in CoGS:
The impact of climate change in Guatemala is affecting Amelia’s precious crops which she relies upon to feed her eight-year-old son, Lázaro, and four-year-old daughter, Yakelin. Amelia says: ‘I worry about what my children will eat.’
A river passes through Amelia’s farm, but increased heat waves are causing this to run dangerously low. Both communities and crops are affected by the reduction in the supply of this life-giving water. Christian Aid, through their partner Congcoop will train her and other farmers in planting resilient crops, conserving water and making fertiliser.
It would be wonderful to support this initiative which launches in CoGS on 11th May, when we will be welcoming Alexander, a Christian aid volunteer from Brighton, to talk about the work of Christian Aid and this year’s appeal.
Red envelopes everywhere!
Please look out for the red envelope that will be dropping through the letterboxes of all houses on the beach during Christian Aid Week in May. Please note that we no longer collect the envelopes, but each has the addresses of drop off points for the filled envelopes and a QR code with a direct link for your donation from the safety of your armchair. You can also donate using the QR code for CoGS fundraising CA page within this article. Please don't forget to Gift Aid your donations if you are eligible.
Many thanks to those who joined us from the Fellowship, the community and from The Shoreham Beach Residents Association in helping to deliver the CA envelopes last year. This year we are grateful to the 3rd Shoreham Scout group who are helping with some deliveries and we do hope we can count on your help again.
If you can help, please contact Chris Davis on chris@wolston.me.uk.
Look on it as gentle exercise that will be helping others to live a better life.
Big Brekkie 2025
As last year, please save the date of Saturday 10th May for our BIG BREKKIE Christian Aid Community fundraising event when you can join us at the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall from 0930-1200 to enjoy drinks, hot breakfast rolls and continental breakfast choices .
See poster or use the QR code below for tickets (or catch one of the Fund Raising Team after church)
We will be concluding our Christian Aid Week fundraising events with a concert in the Church of the Good Shepherd entitled Nautical Airs & Disgraces. This will take place on Friday 16th May at 7.30pm. and feature Lancing's much in demand brass band, Lancing Brass, who will be playing a selection of some of their favourite brass band music, some with a nautical flavour, and Shoreham's very own sea shanty crew, The Wellington Wailers who will be singing shanties and songs of the sea.
Come along and enjoy an Evening on the High C's for a cornucopia of music, mirth and mutiny. (Suggested donation £10 on the night.)
Once again, thank you so much for your support. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you wish to help or be involved with any of the Christian aid Week events. Contact: Jill Charlish: jillcharlish@hotmail.com
Fayre ahoy?
...and lastly, a longer-term date for your diary. Are you looking forwards to the warmer weather? Then please save the date for CoGS Summer Fayre on Saturday June 28th.
The little Church on the Beach with a big heart looks forward to welcoming you.
