By Press Release
Local activists from Cowes Baptist Church raised more than £4,000 with a sponsored walk.
They were raising money to help those in need around the world, including farming communities in Malawi recovering from Cyclone Freddy, in which more than 1,000 people died and more than half a million lost their homes. The group stepped out to support Christian Aid Week 2023 – which this year focussed on Malawi, where people are paying a harsh price for the global cost of living and climate crises. The Cowes’ fundraisers completed a 10 mile walk, at the same time as Christian Aid supporters around the country.
John Featherstone, from Cowes Baptist Church who organised the event said: “Christian Aid Week was an opportunity for us to make a stand with the poorest and weakest in our world, so they can build resilient futures for their families. We raised a total of £4,195, with £4,075 as sponsorship and donations from the sponsored walk and £120 from a quiz we ran. We were delighted with how well it went, especially as we had earlier sent £2,400 to the Christian Aid Ukraine, Turkey & Syria Earthquake Appeals.”
Floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Freddy have resulted in widespread destruction, with roads and bridges washed away, cutting off communities and making relief efforts difficult. But Christian Aid believes there is hope and with support, farmers are looking to bounce back using the most resilient crop, pigeon peas, and winter crop planting where possible.