ADVENT lunches held throughout December to raise vital funds for Christian Aid have been cancelled this year – but organisers are still hoping supporters will help the charity.
The churches in Barnard Castle and Startforth normally organise the Friday lunches in St Mary’sParish Hall, Newgate.
But with volunteers unable to welcome visitors due to the Covid situation, they are asking households to enjoy their Friday lunch at home and make a donation to Christian Aid.
Volunteer Iris Hillery said the churches continued to recognise the needs of those supported through Christian Aid are as great as ever.
“Christian Aid’s work in Africa includes strengthening peace-building in South Sudan, promoting resilient farming in Kenya and challenging inequality in Sierra Leone,” she said.
“Christian Aid is also working with women to increase their access to green and sustainable energy in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Malawi.
“In Asia, Christian Aid’s programmes include promoting women’s rights in Afghanistan, promoting justice and peace building in Myanmar and ensuring people can access the services they need in Bangladesh.”
Donations to Christian Aid can be made via the dedicated Teesdale Christian Aid page www.justgiving.com /fundraising/Teesdale-Christian-Aid.
Donations can be also made by phone directly to Christian Aid on 08080 006006.
