An appeal which encourages people to give thanks for their vaccinations by helping others in crisis has passed its £5,000 fundraising target.
The Diocese of Lichfield and the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District of the Methodist Church have partnered with aid and development charity Christian Aid for the #GiveThanks appeal.
Recognising the deep sense of relief and gratitude experienced by many people after being vaccinated, the organisations came together to enable people to pass the blessing on by making a donation to Christian Aid’s Coronavirus Appeal.
Funds from the appeal are helping vulnerable communities around the world access soap, water, food and vital health information in the face of the pandemic. Many communities around the world face an uncertain wait for a vaccine as questions remain around the cost and timing of a global vaccine programme.
Donors to the campaign have included many individuals and people who gave on behalf of their families, plus one church congegration who gave en masse.
The Church of the Holy Spirit in Harlesecott, Shrewsbury, donated £146. Churchwarden Muriel Rayner explained: “As most of our congregation are elderly, they were grateful to get both vaccines early on. We explained about the appeal and a bucket was place in the church and donations were encouraged. Not many would have been able to pay online so this was an easier way to collect donations”
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, said. “It is great that so many people have given generously to Christian Aid through this appeal. While the pandemic affects all of us, it has highlighted the deep disparities in how communities and families are able to protect themselves both within our country and around the world.
“Many people are awaiting their second vaccinations, and there is still time to donate if you have not already.”
The Revd Rachel Parkinson, Chair of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District, said: “Being part of a worldwide Methodist Church makes us very aware of our own privilege in this country when compared to so many of our brothers and sisters around the globe. Making a donation to Christian Aid is an effective way of sharing hope and love with them.”
You can give today here: https://giving.give-star.com/online/christian-aid/diolichfield
