Christian Aid supporters in Dumfries are being urged to dig deep to help the annual collection week which started today (Monday).
The tradition of house-to-house collections around the town – which have been held in May for more than half a century – won’t be done due to coronavirus.
Instead, red envelopes will be delivered with details of a local collection point.
Alison Wright, convener of the local committee said: “The people of Dumfries and the surrounding area have generously supported Christian Aid week for more than 50 years, and we are asking them to help again.
“In the five years to 2019, more than £65,500 was raised during the week, mostly from the house-to-house collection.
“We will not be doing the collection in the normal way so we are asking people to either give a donation via our JustGiving.Com page or, if you receive an envelope through your door, do return it to the location given on the back of the envelope.
“We are grateful to two local Christian Aid supporters who took part in the recent Kilt Walk and have so far raised more than £1,200.”
She added: “Donations of £5 could buy a shovel to build a dam; £10 could buy a pair of taps at a water point; and £42 could buy 350kg of cement to build an earth dam.
“Christian Aid gives relief to the poorest people of the world, wherever there is suffering, disaster or famine and helps rebuild shattered lives.
“This year, we are highlighting the twin threats of Covid-19 and the climate crisis.
“We are wanting to stand in solidarity with those at the very brunt of these global crises, specifically with all those forced to walk long distances to collect water for their families.
“But while coronavirus has sharpened this issue of a reliable source of water, the impacts of climate change remain the biggest challenge for the communities Christian Aid works with.”
There will also be collections in churches and a Just Giving Page has been set up at: www.justgiving.com/dumfriesanddistrictor90194 for online giving.
