As Christian Aid marks 60 years of Christian Aid Week (14-21 May 2017 www.caweek.org), the organisation is inviting people to join them in tucking into a Big Brekkie breakfast to stand in solidarity with refugees around the world. The charity has been working with refugees since the Second World War, and is not turning its back now.
Today, tens of millions of people across the globe are forced from their homes due to war, conflict and disaster. Many make life-threateningly dangerous journeys in search of a safe place to call home.
While the majority of today’s refugees continue to seek sanctuary in poor countries, in 2015 more than one million refugees crossed into Europe. With borders across the continent now closed to refugees, thousands are stranded – and in need of urgent help.
Nejebar, from Afghanistan, fled her homeland after the Taliban announced they would kill anyone who worked for the government, like her husband Noor. They eventually sought refuge in Greece with their children, after a treacherous journey across the Mediterranean in a small rubber dinghy. The young family have left their home, family and friends behind, and now reside in a small tent, with no certainty on their future, especially that of their children.
Loretta Minghella, Chief Executive of Christian Aid said: “We have been supporting refugees since European refugees sought refuge in London in the aftermath of the Second World War, and we are not turning our backs now.
“Still today there are millions of families – mothers, fathers, children – who are running from conflict, danger and persecution around the world. It’s time to say that they have been running long enough.
“Jesus often brought people together over a shared meal, and taught us to care for people in poverty, so we are inviting our supporters to enjoy a Big Brekkie this Christian Aid Week and join a massive movement of Christians proclaiming God’s justice for refugees, a world where everyone has a safe place to call home.
“Your porridge and pancakes, croissants and crumpets are weapons in this fight against injustice. Stand with refugees, stand with people living in poverty, stand with Jesus Christ.”
Christian Aid Week unites over 20,000 churches every year to achieve incredible things to support our global neighbours in need, who are often suffering through no fault of their own. With their support, Christian Aid and its global partners continue to provide support for refugees, including Nejebar and Noor, with essentials including, food and shelter, as well as advocating for policies to protect them and help them on the ground.
You can help to change the lives of refugees fleeing conflict and crisis this Christian Aid Week by donating online at www.caweek.org calling 08080 006 006, or texting ‘SAFE’ to 70040 to give £5.
Notes to Editors:
1. Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in around 50 countries at any one time. We act where there is great need, regardless of religion, helping people to live a full life, free from poverty. We provide urgent, practical and effective assistance in tackling the root causes of poverty as well as its effects.
2. Christian Aid’s core belief is that the world can and must be changed so that poverty is ended: this is what we stand for. Everything we do is about ending poverty and injustice: swiftly, effectively, sustainably. Our strategy document Partnership for Change www.christianaid.org.uk/images/partnership-for-change-summary.pdf explains how we set about this task.
3. Christian Aid is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of more than 130 churches and church-related organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance, advocacy and development. Further details at http://actalliance.org
