International development charity Christian Aid has begun fundraising for its Christmas Appeal and Rev Emma Barker is taking part by helping to raise awareness through a social media moment.
This Christmas, the focus of the appeal is on the plight of the millions of people forced to flee their homes because of conflict, and people from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are sharing their stories to raise.
Families, forced to flee the violence between multiple armed groups and government forces, now live in overcrowded, unsanitary, makeshift conditions with limited access to food, clean water and electricity.
Rev Emma is lending a hand with the organisation’s social media campaign. She will be featured in a post aimed at getting people to imagine what it much be like to have to leave your home in a time of war, and what you might take with you.
“If I had to flee home with just one item, it would have to be my dog. I know something more practical might be more sensible but I would genuinely want to take my dog and protect her.”
Rev Emma, who is Chaplain at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust
Christian Aid has worked with local organisations in the DRC since the 1970s and is currently helping people in camps and villages who have had to leave their homes.
Supporters like Rev Emma will be raising funds and awareness for the work of Christian Aid’s partners who provide cash assistance so people can buy essential supplies such as food, medicine or bedding; give people better access to clean water; and provide support for survivors of rape and gender-based violence.
Donations will help people with immediate needs – £3 could buy the mosquito net that protects a child from contracting malaria for example. The funding also supports people in the long term to develop sustainable incomes which increase their resilience to the many challenges they face.
To find out more about Christian Aid, please visit www.christianaid.org.uk.
