Festive fundraising for international appeal

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Christian Aid supporters in Sheffield braved the bad weather to raise more than £600 to support people living through conflicts around the world.

International development charity Christian Aid has launched its Christmas Appeal which this year is shining a light on South Sudan where hundreds of thousands of people are seeking safety from the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

The charity works through local partners on initiatives aimed at supporting families as they settle into the refugee camps, and in the longer term as they try to forge new lives.

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To help raise funds for these vital projects, supporters are raising their voices with carol concerts and Advent services around the UK.

Sheffield Christian Aid Group braved stormy weather to sing carols for the Christmas Appeal.Sheffield Christian Aid Group braved stormy weather to sing carols for the Christmas Appeal.
Sheffield Christian Aid Group braved stormy weather to sing carols for the Christmas Appeal.

Sheffield Christian Aid Group took part with their annual carol singing at Westside, despite some stormy weather.

The funds they raised will help groups like the Smile Again Africa Development Organisation which offers a lifeline to people who have had to leave everything behind – people like 35-year-old mother-of-three Shede.

She explained: “Fighting broke out and homes were bombed. Food was no longer available. The situation was dire.

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“I did not come with anything. I only came with these clothes on. The rest of my belongings were all left behind. No table, no teapot, no chair, no bed. Nothing.”

Fleeing conflict does not mean the danger is over for people like Shede and the decision to leave is not taken lightly.

But thanks to supporters throughout the UK, aid agencies are able to offer support.

James Wani, Country Director of Christian Aid South Sudan, “The arrival of hundreds of thousands of people to areas already experiencing extreme poverty, has put enormous pressure on authorities and humanitarian organisations alike. Offering financial assistance means people can prioritise their own specific needs and decide how to meet them and is a lifeline for families who’ve left everything behind to survive. It’s a programme which brings choice, hope and dignity to people who’ve lost so much.”

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One of the carol singing organisers, Alison Tresize, said: “Christmas can be a time of stress, anxiety and over-consumption, so it’s wonderful to be able to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas; that God came to dwell with humanity, to bring good news to the poor, sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed, and peace and salvation for all… and it’s even better when we also raise valuable funds for people like Shede who will experience very little comfort this Christmas.”

Anyone wanting to support Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal or make a donation can visit www.christianaid.org.uk and click on Appeals to find out more.

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