CHRISTIAN Aid supporters spent an hour entertaining shoppers in Wells Market Place on December 11 as part of the charity’s Christmas Appeal .
This year, the organisation is shining a light on South Sudan where hundreds of thousands of people are seeking safety from the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
Christian Aid works through local partners on initiatives aimed at supporting families as they settle into the refugee camps, and in the longer term as they try to forge new lives.
To help raise funds for these vital projects, the charity’s supporters are raising their voices with carol concerts and Advent services around the UK.
Event organiser Liz Walker said: “The Wells Christian Aid Group took part by singing carols – and raised £221, which is great as it’s almost twice as much as last year.”
Funds raised will help groups like the Smile Again Africa Development Organisation which offers a lifeline to people who have had to leave everything behind.
James Wani, Country Director of Christian Aid South Sudan, said: “The arrival of hundreds of thousands of people to areas already experiencing extreme poverty has put enormous pressure on authorities and humanitarian organisations alike. Offering financial assistance means people can prioritise their own specific needs and decide how to meet them and is a lifeline for families who’ve left everything behind to survive. It’s a programme which brings choice, hope and dignity to people who’ve lost so much.”
Anyone wanting to support Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal or make a donation can visit www.christianaid.org.uk and click on Appeals to find out more.