Fundraisers in West Wickham have raised more than £7,000 for development projects around the world

Christian Aid Organiser, Anne Ford, explained: “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.

“Churches around West Wickham held all kinds of events and raised a record amount of £7,127.16. My church, St John’s, organised an open afternoon, plant sale, auction of promises and other things. St Mary’s had church collections and a film night, while St Francis and Emmanuel both held church collections.”

Money raised during Christian Aid Week will help the organisation’s partners empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

This year’s appeal highlighted work in Guatemala, in Central America, where climate change is causing the seasons to intensify and shift erratically. As a result, farming communities have to battle severe floods and, more recently, ferocious heatwaves. Water sources are drying up and vital crops are failing, plunging farming families into hunger and poverty.

Despite the challenges families are facing, the unstoppable power of hope drives people to look for ways to push back.

Christian Aid has been working with organisations like, Coordinación de ONG y Cooperativas, to offer training and tools so farmers can diversify and grow more resilient crops, build water recycling systems, and create organic fertiliser.

To find out more about projects like these and how to get involved, visit www.christianaid.org.uk.