The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod) has raised £1 million in a week to go towards tackling the famine in East Africa.
A combination of drought and civil war has left millions of families across East Africa on the brink of starvation.
Chris Bain, Cafod’s director, said: “We would like to say a huge thanks to supporters in the Catholic community in England and Wales who once again have given generously and quickly, trusting us to respond to the immense needs of millions of people in East Africa.
“Our supporters have come together to help communities affected by drought and conflict. Across England and Wales, our supporters have been giving whatever they can; as individuals, schools and parishes”.
Parishes and schools across the country have pulled together to support the appeal. St Saviour’s parish, on the Isle of Wight, is one of many parishes that has held a soup lunch in aid of the appeal and through their efforts raised nearly £200.
Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School in Balham donated almost £1,000 to the appeal which they raised from a non school uniform day.
Matthew Carter, Cafod’s humanitarian director, praised the generosity of the British public, telling BBC Breakfast earlier this month that their donations were “phenomenal.”
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.