Christian Aid set for fundraising event in Cumbria

Appleby Christian Aid Group is planning a display and a collection point in the town centre, as part of Christian Aid Week.

Organiser, Sue McGuiness said: "Every year, during this appeal, people across Britain and Ireland have seven days and so many ways to raise funds to support their global neighbours, in a celebration of hope for a fairer world.

(L-R) Linda Taylor, Christian Aid volunteer, John Farrer Coffee delivery driver, Anne Crosby, Christian Aid volunteer, Rev Roger Collison, retired vicar, Heart of Eden Benefice, long service Christian Aid volunteer (Image: Christian Aid)

"We have a group of 12 churches and we’re taking part by highlighting in our town the good work of Christian Aid and actively collecting."

The group secured a donation following Ms McGuiness' visit to a Kendal coffee shop where she found a brew from Burundi, the focus country of this year's appeal.

She informed the coffee producers, John Farrer & Co, about Christian Aid Week, triggering a pledge from the company to supply some of their coffee free of charge.

Burundi is one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa.

Heavily reliant on agriculture, it is also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides.

Christian Aid has been working in the country since 1995 when it first offered humanitarian assistance to people surviving the civil conflict.

Now, alongside partners in Burundi, the organisation helps establish village savings and loans associations

Ms McGuiness added: "Having the coffee will attract passers-by to our display – and then we can explain more.

"The coffee sacks will form an interesting part of our display.

“This is also an important year for us as Rev Roger Collinson has recently received a certificate for his work over 30 years as the prominent collector for Christian Aid in our town.”