Christian Aid in the Covid-19 lockdown

It's a worrying time for us all. The world's poorest countries have the weakest health systems. Many of the most vulnerable people are now being exposed to this deadly virus. They'll struggle to get the healthcare they need, and with the cost of not earning a living while in lockdown or quarantine, they'll be greatly affected.

Our programme work is drawing on our experience in the fight against Ebola, and we are rapidly re-orientating key resources to combat coronavirus alongside people living in poverty. Specific work includes soap and water provision, advocacy to local government, hand washing training and awareness raising. 

Love never fails.

Coronavirus impacts all of us. But love unites us all.

As this virus spreads across the world, love rises up in response.

You've already shown incredible kindness to your neighbours.

Now is the time to reach out to your neighbours both near and far.

Your love protects. From storms, from drought, and now from coronavirus.

St Mary's Barnes Christian Aid Group

For the past few years the St Mary's congregation have led Christian Aid Week in Barnes and last year we raised well over £10,000. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus it will be very difficult to reach a similar total this year. BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW to raise as much as we can to contribute to Christian aid's fight against poverty. We are extremely grateful to those people who have already donated so generously and with payments of £1,150 made offline, we have now almost reached one-third of our target this year of £7,500. BUT WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AND WE DO ASK THOSE PEOPLE STILL CONSIDERING GIVING TO BE AS GENEROUS AS THEY CAN.    

This year the focus of the appeal is on helping people in Kenya to survive the severe drought which has resulted from the increasingly erratic rainfall due to climate change. Christian aid's partners are supplying the materials to enable people to build and expand earth dams which can revolutionise their lives. (You can see how this works by viewing CA videos on You tube: Rose's story CA week 2020 and Florence's story CA week 2020).

£20 can buy 4 taps for a water point at a dam, where families can collect water.

£60 can buy 10 bags of cement to help the community build an earth dam.

£220 can teach 50 farmers how to plant drought-resistant plants.

Drought is pushing people in areas dramatically affected by climate change to the brink of starvation. Your gift this Christian Aid Week could help communities build long lasting sources of water so that not a single drop is wasted.