Seven Days to Help Stop Families Going Hungry: Cornwall Bishop Urges Public to Take Action

Christian Aid Week set to launch nationwide fundraising effort

The Bishop of St Germans, the Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, is urging people across Cornwall and beyond to join a UK-wide campaign aimed at tackling global poverty – and it all kicks off next month.

Christian Aid Week will run from 11th to 17th May, giving supporters across Britain and Ireland seven days to make a difference and raise vital funds for communities facing crisis around the world.

“A celebration of hope for a fairer world”

Bishop Hugh is backing this year’s campaign and encouraging people to get creative in their fundraising efforts, from cream teas and bake sales to bike rides and car washes. He said:

“Every year, during this appeal, people across Britain and Ireland have seven days to make a difference and support their global neighbours, in a celebration of hope for a fairer world.

“There are so many ways to raise funds from cream teas and car washes to bake sales and bike rides – and of course, if you’re feeling especially active, Christian Aid’s 70K in May challenge.

“It’s always a brilliant thing to get involved with – especially this year, being Christian Aid’s 80th anniversary. Sadly, with recent foreign aid budget cuts, humanitarian agencies have been affected all around the world which makes it more difficult than ever to keep providing support to vulnerable communities. So please, this year of all years, get involved, raise money, pray and tell people all about Christian Aid Week.”

Climate crisis pushing families to the brink

Funds raised during the campaign will support Christian Aid’s partners working with vulnerable communities to develop practical, long-term solutions to poverty.

This year’s appeal is shining a spotlight on Guatemala, where communities are facing the devastating effects of climate change. Farming families in areas like the Alta Verapaz region are battling extreme weather, including floods and heatwaves, which are destroying crops and drying up water supplies.

“My plantations have been dying”

Amelia, a 24-year-old mother of two from the region, described how the climate crisis is impacting daily life:

“In the past three years, we have been experiencing high heat and a lack of rain. One of the biggest issues is the lack of water…My plantations have been dying… and there is no food for my family.”

In the face of this crisis, Christian Aid is working alongside Coordinación de ONG y Cooperativas, providing training and tools that help farming communities adapt. These include diversifying crops, building water recycling systems, and producing organic fertiliser.

Amelia now works as a community representative, attending training and sharing the knowledge with other women. She’s also raising awareness about the environment – discouraging littering and urging people not to sell off their land.

To learn more about Christian Aid Week and how to take part, visit www.christianaid.org.uk.