Norfolk Bishop backs fundraising appeal 

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, is encouraging people to take part in a major charity appeal to help vulnerable communities.

Christian Aid Week - from May 12–18 – sees supporters from all over the UK come together to find different ways of raising funds and awareness for the work of the organisation’s local partners, empowering communities around the world to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

This year’s appeal is focussing on Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa. Heavily reliant on agriculture, it’s also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges: more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

Christian Aid has been working in Burundi since 1995 when it first offered humanitarian assistance to people surviving the civil conflict. Now, alongside local partners, the organisation helps establish Village Savings and Loans Associations. These community-led groups mean people can save and borrow money, making small businesses possible, offering reliable and diverse incomes so families can eat regularly, get medicine when they need it, and build safer homes.

Bishop Graham, who leads the Church of England’s Environment Programme, says he is backing the fundraising efforts of all supporters in his area.

He said: "I give my support because I’ve seen first hand how the money we give to Christian Aid is positively transforming the lives of those most impacted by climate change and biodiversity loss."

Christian Aid Week offers seven days and so many ways to make a difference – including this year’s new challenge 70k in May. To find out more, visit https://www.christianaid.org.uk/.