The Rochester Diocese annual Poverty and Hope Appeal has shared it thanks, as over £9,500 has been raised so far.
In an update on how the Appeal is going so far, organisers said:
"Thank you to all churches and individuals who have supported the Diocese of Rochester Poverty and Hope Appeal since the launch in July and raised £9550.67.
"We are very grateful for your generosity in these difficult times, and admire the creative ways people have raised money such as sewing and selling PPE equipment with the proceeds going to the Appeal.
"We hope that support will continue to grow (we are about 20% down on this time last year), to help the disadvantaged people who our projects support at a time when our partner organisations are most in need of funds. We very much hope that Churches will consider supporting the Appeal from general funds or through Christmas collections."
Project partners are trying to combine their long-term ongoing work with COVID- 19 related assistance. For example, one of our projects coordinated by USPG is based in Zimbabwe and includes the Rochester companion Diocese of Harare.
Since the project began, 995 people living with HIV have received training on income generation activities, improving their livelihoods, and increasing their self-esteem. This year they have also educated the Church and communities on COVID-19, used Churches as distribution centres for PPE, established virtual groups so that people can stay connected, and distributed food packages.
Through the programme’s support, people like Elizabeth (pictured), has been able overcome stigma in her family and community from HIV AIDS to grow a successful kitchenware business (photograph courtesy of USPG).
You can find a range of resources on the Poverty and Hope webpages. or email povertyandhope@gmail.com.
There are a number of ways to make a donation
- through a Church collection,
- by e-banking to Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance, sort code 20-54-29, account 90760099, reference P&H plus something to identify you (unless you wish to remain anonymous),
- by card via the Poverty and Hope page on Give.net https://www.give.net/povertyandhope/fundraising),
- by cheque, payable to ‘Rochester DBF’ with ‘Poverty and Hope’ written on the back and posted to the Finance Team Rochester Diocese, St Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester ME1 1SL.
Thank you for your support.