THE churches of Whitchurch are combining together ahead of Christian Aid week as its long-established committee in the town gets ready for a number of events.

Christian Aid Week runs from May 10-16 and the committee – formed 35 years ago – has been busy preparing, working with schools in the area on a climate change them.

Rev Rob Weir, the committee’s chairman, believes it has been important to show them the importance of the work that Christian Aid does in trying to eradicate poverty and create equality.

He said: “These are critical times.

"As a nation still in the grip of a pandemic, we have understood what it means to be vulnerable – perhaps for the first time in generations.

"Christian Aid Week is an opportunity to make a difference and to walk in solidarity with those who are suffering, so they can build resilient futures for their families.”

The organisation aims to create a more equal world, where all people have the same opportunities and rights. Part of the work of Christian Aid involves encouraging more people to be global citizens and creating a more environmentally sustainable world.

Christian Aid Week has been running for more than 60 years, making it the UK’s longest running fundraising week, and in that time, many local people have taken part in the distribution and collection of the well-known red envelopes in Whitchurch during May which helped raise thousands of pounds.

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However, with Covid-19 restrictions this is not possible again this year but there are many other ways to help and to mark this special week.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so using the red envelope available in local churches or via an e-envelope from the following: https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/whitchurch-christian-aid-group?channel=copy

The committee are holding a quiz on Zoom on Tuesday, May 11; anyone wishing to take part should contact Rev Rob Weir on robweir@albatross.me.uk to obtain the link.

Finally, several of the local churches will be holding their own Christian Aid Week Service during that week.

The service from St Alkmund’s will be streamed live and available afterwards on their Facebook page and will also be put on YouTube under the name of Rev Judy Hunt.