Christian Aid at 80 Part 2

Some of us still remember Audrey Mitchell.
In my early years at All Saints Audrey was ever present, involved in every aspect of church life and very much attuned to the need to help those less fortunate than us around the world.
Audrey would have been alive when Christian Aid was first formed in response to world wide poverty immediately after VE Day.
Under Audrey’s guidance I started delivering and collecting envelopes during Christian Aid Week and gradually became more involved.
Planning for Christian Aid Week starts in January when the email arrives reminding me to order resources.
Envelopes, posters, bunting and collector certificates.
In the past we used to cover about 1,000 houses door to door, delivering and returning to collect envelopes, but after the pandemic we took the decision to deliver to all the houses on Newton Hall and Brasside with an envelope and leaflet explaining different ways to pay.
(This is also an opportunity to include any other church information we want to add.)
This year, in a further change, we didn’t include an envelope but added a QR code for electronic donations. The leaflet also includes details of Christian Aid’s website where donations can be made direct and an invitation to everyone to come along to a Coffee Morning to give in person.
Taking delivery of the leaflets, and printing the Coffee Morning invitations starts early in April and I try to have them sorted for each street and ready to deliver to church at least a week before Christian Aid Week.
I am immensely grateful for those who are willing to help to cover every home and some who still like to deliver and collect envelopes in the way it used to be.
Despite the changes the giving is generous and I am grateful for the generosity and support shown every year.
This year the QR code realised £472 and the Coffee Morning a further £524, making a grand total of £996. This total includes Gift Aid.

Next week Westminster Abbey Christian Aid 80 years celebration!

Jean Wright