Christian Aid Week in Boldon raises £1,500 to help the world's poorest
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The money was collected within social distancing rules to ease the problems in Africa of covid-19 and climate change.
Those issues were the focus for 2021, when the charity asked supporters to stand in solidarity with people facing both crises, especially those forced to walk long distances to collect water for their families.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdChristian Aid is at the centre of a drive to help communities access and build water dams or rock catchments near their homes.


This means that some of the world’s most deprived people are spared a long and often dangerous walk to collect water, while families have an accessible water supply for crops, livestock and hygiene.
One inspiration for Boldon’s generosity was Rose Katanu Jonathan of Kitui in Kenya; a 67-year old widowed grandmother who, due to drought, spends hours walking five miles each way to collect water. She therefore has little time for other crucial tasks, such as growing food to eat or sell.
Five pounds can buy a shovel to build a dam, £10 could buy a pair of taps at a water point and £42 could buy 350kg of cement to build an earth dam.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRev Paul Barker, priest in charge of the Benefice of the Boldons and also vicar at St George’s Church in East Boldon, said: “Despite the constraints on fundraising during a pandemic, we were very pleased to raise £1,501 thanks to the generosity of the community.


“We held an online Zoom quiz, which proved to be very popular and was supported with a prize from our local pub The Black Horse in West Boldon.
"We also held three services in church where we talked about the work of Christian Aid and why their work is so important.”
Tim Burdon, church engagement & fundraising officer for Christian Aid, attended the quiz where he spoke about the charity’s work.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “Thank you to everyone in the Boldons who generously donated, to reach this fantastic total, this money will help some of the world’s poorest communities.”
To find out more visit www.christianaid.org.uk