“Every year, during Christian Aid Week, people across Britain and Ireland have seven days to make a difference and support their global neighbours, in a celebration of hope for a fairer world.
“There are so many ways to raise funds from walking to cream teas and car washes to bake sales and bike rides – and of course, if you’re feeling especially active, Christian Aid’s 70K in May challenge.” – Bishop Rachel.
This year, Christian Aid Week takes place from 11 to 17 May. On its 80th anniversary, the focus this year is on work in Guatemala, in Central America, where climate change is causing the seasons to intensify and shift erratically.
As a result, farming communities have to battle severe floods and, more recently, ferocious heatwaves. Water sources are drying up and vital crops are failing, plunging farming families into hunger and poverty.
For example, Amelia is 24 and a mother of two from the Alta Verapaz region. She said the situation is very worrying: “In the past three years, we have been experiencing high heat and a lack of rain. One of the biggest issues is the lack of water… My plantations have been dying… and there is no food for my family.”
Christian Aid has been working with organisations like Coordinación de ONG y Cooperativas, to offer training and tools so farmers can diversify and grow more resilient crops, build water recycling systems, and create organic fertiliser.
When Amelia discovered these initiatives, she put herself forward as a community representative, attending training sessions and bringing the learning back home, to train other women in her community. She also raises awareness about the environment, discouraging people from littering, and encouraging people not to sell their land.
Every year, Christian Aid shines a light on people like Amelia and the efforts of local organisations to work with them towards a better future.
And once more, church leaders up and down the country are supporting the work of the charity and the fundraising efforts of its amazing supporters in the UK.
Here are some ways you can get involved in Christian Aid Week around our diocese:
St Michael and All Angels Church is hosting an 80th Anniversary Concert for Christian Aid. This is with the Gloucester and District Christian Choir, conducted by Pamela Dewick, and guest singers from Bishop’s Cleeve Primary Academy. This takes place on 10 May, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at St Michael’s Church, Bishops Cleeve. Find out more here.
St Peter’s Leckhampton is inviting people to collect a prayer leaflet on 11 May, or to give online card donations via Givestar.
St Catharine’s, Gloucester is hosting a coffee, cake, and book sale on 16 May, from 10am to 2pm at 35 Estcourt Close (featuring book sales and original cards by Michael Butler), with all proceeds going to Christian Aid.
St Peter and St James Church, Hucclecote is having a Christian Aid Coffee Morning on 10 May, from 10am to 11.30am in the Church.
If you’re unable to make these events, there are many other ways to take part and contribute → please visit Christian Aid Week 2025.
Send your Christian Aid Week events to ku.gr1746026982o.coi1746026982dsolg1746026982@mosn1746026982asn1746026982
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