Musicians often talk with dread about the ‘tricky second album’. When the first album has come together easily, the reality of pulling off a second one is daunting.
A second Christian Aid Week under pandemic restrictions was not a little daunting for the staff and volunteers. But Christian Aid supporters really stood together with our global neighbours. In a year still marked by the ravages of coronavirus, we are so proud that our supporters reached into their communities to support those living in poverty around the world.
Spey in a Day
Rev Andrew Kimmitt traversed the whole course of the River Spey on Saturday 15 May to fundraise for Christian Aid Week.
He started off his adventure by running 15km from Loch Spey to Garva Bridge, then cycled 135km to Fochabers, swapped his bike for a kayak and paddled the last stretch to Spey Bay.
Andrew raised an incredible £2,720.
80 laps around James Hamilton Heritage Park Loch
Dynamic octogenarians Jim Gray and Stewart Smith have been dubbed East Kilbride's very own 'Captain Toms' for walking around their local loch 80 times during Christian Aid Week. The pair completed their challenge and raised a fantastic £2,603.
Even before Christian Aid Week 2021 began, over 95 groups of Scottish supporters had signed up to try something new with digital fundraising. These included amazing challenges such as ‘Spey in a Day’, ‘Laps around the Loch’ in East Kilbride and the 'Water Bucket Challenge' in Kinross. Groups of all ages, inspired by the life of Rose from Kenya who walks 6 miles each day for water, walked in spirit with her this Christian Aid Week.
Water Bucket Challenge
Kinross youngsters carried heavy buckets of water for three miles as they raised funds for Christian Aid.
The youth collected a bucket of water from Kirkgate Park Jetty at Loch Leven and then carried it up to Kinross Parish Church, where it was poured into a water butt which was then used to water plants in the church garden.
The group raised a brilliant £1,755.
Boys Brigade Car Wash
135th Glasgow BB Company boys washed over 40 cars (and some bikes) to fundraise this Christian Aid Week.
The group smashed their fundraising target and raised £665.
300k Steps in May
Five members of the Shetland Church of Scotland Ministry Team have been taking part in our 300,000 Steps in May challenge. Fran, Frances, Lynn, Arthur, and Ellen have each been walking around 10,000 steps a day over the month of May.
So far the team has raised £860.
7 hills of Edinburgh
Priestfield Church organised a challenge to ‘Walk the 7-hills of Edinburgh in one day’. This included Braid Hills, Blackford Hill, Craiglockhart Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Carlton Hill, The Castle and Arthur's Seat.
Christian Aid supporters never fail to amaze us with their creativity and determination at Christian Aid Week. We have missed being able to visit your events in person this year, but we are so inspired by your efforts and grateful for the difference your fundraising will make to the lives of people like Rose. Thank you for all you do and the grace with which you do it.