Cockermouth couple Helen and Ian Faulds are taking part in The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge 2019.

The scheme kicked off on Tuesday and runs until next Tuesday, with all donations to participating charities matched – doubling the support.

The Big Give matches donations from the public through partnerships with over 20 funding champions including, The Childhood Trust, Four Acre Trust, Reed Foundation and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Poverty Swap.

Mrs Faulds recently went to Ethiopia with Poverty Swap to give old uniforms donated by West Cumbrian schools to needy children. The charity has also built a primary school and nursery in the east African country with support from Cumbrian people.

Helen said: “This year Povery Swap has seen amazing support from people, organisations and schools across West Cumbria, and one of our great achievements has been building the Fikir School in southern Ethiopia.”

She said: “Each Christmas we receive a number of donations for our work amongst the world’s poorest people.

“When we heard about the Big Give Christmas Challenge, we felt we owed it to both Poverty Swap donors and those who benefit from those donations to join the campaign effectively doubling the power of every donation.”

Administration costs are covered so that all donations can go to those who need them.

As part of Poverty Swap’s Big Give Christmas Challenge they will hold a Celebrate Christmas dinner at the Christ Church Rooms in Cockermouth tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.15pm.

Jonathan Frank, director of The Big Give, said: “The Christmas Challenge is a great opportunity for the British public to maximise the impact of their charitable gifts.

“Launching on Giving Tuesday, we’re encouraging everyone to consider the causes closest to their hearts and to donate, enabling us to help ensure those donations go even further.”