St Johns with St Barnabas

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of

hard work we must help the weak, remembering the

words the Lord Jesus himself said:

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive”

(Acts 20:35)

 

One of the many aims of Christian Aid is to eradicate poverty

in order to create a world where everyone can live a full life.

In 2018, as in past years, members of St. Barnabas church

congregation came together to contribute to this aim, by fundraising

for Christian Aid by organising various activities.

 

Our first fundraising activity for Christian Aid this year kicked off on 27th April 2018 with a Bake Sale which was carried out in collaboration with Bournemouth University (BU). Whilst the bake sale was organised by Dinusha Mendis, many members of the congregation including Shelley Henry, Ann Mertens, Janet Bourne, Patsy Whittaker, Pamela Liley, Daphne Green and Daniela Eisentraeger came together to bake an array of cakes and muffins, make sandwiches and help man the stalls at BU. The St. Barnabas team was also assisted by their family members (including Dinusha’s husband, Samira) and kind volunteers from the Bournemouth Christian Aid Group including Fiona Daborn, the Regional Coordinator, who particularly assisted in raising awareness.

 

Hosting a bake sale at a workplace was unchartered territory for us – yet through God’s grace and a massive team effort, we made it happen. To optimise the fundraising, we set up an online JustGiving Page which generated further funds. The sales from the day, together with the donations received through JustGiving, generated a total of £631.88.

 

The Bake Sale was followed by activities during and after the Christian Aid Week, which took place between 13-19 May 2018. The Sponsored Walk, on 12th May 2018 along Bournemouth promenade, was attended by Shelley Henry and Ann Mertens and together they raised £150.

 

The Door-to-Door Collection is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of raising money; yet it is also one of the most challenging. It takes time, effort and courage. Very many thanks to Shelley Henry, Ann Mertens, Patsy Whittaker and Carmen Smith for collectively raising £767.97.

 

Our activities for Christian Aid 2018, were brought to a close on Saturday 26th May 2018, with the Charity Big Breakfast organised by Brenda Moore and Carmen Smith. Together the breakfast team raised £152.00.

 

Fundraising for Christian Aid, is an opportunity to help others, whatever their faith, whatever their need. We are continuously left in awe of the generosity of those who give so freely – not only in donations, but also in time. We remain extremely grateful to everyone who helped and gave generously, including donations through church envelopes, to raise a final total of £1766.85 for Christian Aid.

 

To all who helped, participated and donated – thank you very much!