Christian Aid's Bristol & Somerset Co-ordinator invites us to get involved!
Christian Aid's Bristol and Somerset Co-ordinator, Gill Alexander is busy supporting groups, churches and individuals in fundraising, campaigning and prayer...Read what happened when she took time out to tell Editor, Emma about the charity's key projects.
"I am the regional co-ordinator for Bristol and Somerset. My role is to support and encourage all the individuals, groups and churches that fundraise, campaign and pray for us.
"I also try to encourage individuals and churches that haven't supported us before to find out more and get involved. I give talks, spend time supporting volunteer speakers and teachers, attend supporter events, speak to the local media and represent Christian Aid at meetings inthe diocese." says Gill.
Without a 'typical day' in her role, Gill can find herself in the Thornbury-based Christian Aid office, answering emails, making phone-calls and planning event, or out and about meeting people.
"I might meet a volunteer in the morning to talk about how their role is going, followed by a meeting with church leaders, staff and individuals from the Bath and Wells diocese on how we can encourage them to get involved in Fairtrade or a climate change campaign. The next day I might go to a supporters' coffee morning to give a talk about our work and spend the afternoon asking local journalists to help publicise a forthcoming event. No two days are the same!"
With the crisis in Pakistan being at the forefront of the news, its no surprise that relief for Pakistan is one of the key Christian Aid campaigns now. The Big Tax Return - the restoration of monies owed to poor countries by multi-national organisations, currently 'tax-dodging' - is another.
"Poor countries have the riches to help work their own way out of poverty, but it's multinational companies that are reaping the rewards. A worldwide culture of financial secrecy allows tax-dodging firms to rob poor countries of more than $160bn a year. The Big Tax Return, is about plugging this leak - and getting poor countries their money back." says Gill.
Time for Climate Justice - the Christian Aid campaign on climate change is yet another. The charity takes the stance that 'people in developing countries have done the least to cause global warming and yet are the ones who suffer the most.' explains.
Gill says that Christian Aid works so well as a charity, because of its roots and modus operandi. "We are an agency of our churches in Britain and Ireland and are mandated to work on relief, development and advocacy for poverty eradication.
"Christian Aid's work is founded on Christian faith, inspired by hope and acts to change an unjust world through charity - a practical love and care for our neighbours. We were founded by the churches of Great Britain and Ireland after the Second World War. We are a Christian organisation that insists the world can and must be swiftly changed to one where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.
"We work globally for profound change that eradicates the causes of poverty, striving to achieve equality, dignity and freedom for all, regardless of faith or nationality. We are part of a wider movement for social justice. We provide urgent, practical and effective assistance where need is great, tackling the effects of poverty as well as its root causes."
How Can We Get Involved?
"There are lots of campaigning ideas, fundraising packs and worship resources on our website - which anyone can access for free. You can also contact me at the local office.
"We particularly need help with door to door collecting during Christian Aid week in May 2011 or organising fundraising events throughout the year."
National Date!
Time for Climate Justice - Wednesday 20th October 2010 - Hear how we can bring an end to poverty, share in celebrating our achievements and back our call for change. 11am-2.30pm supporter event at Methodist Central Hall, London followed by 2.30pm-4pm lobby of Parliament. To book a place
We have a current emergency appeal for people affected by the floods in Pakistan
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For Christian Aid's Emergency appeal for Pakistan
Contact Gill on: 01454 415 923 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it