Bishop Arun has joined with a national charity to encourage people “to be more St Nic” this Christmas and become Secret Santas to those in need.
The online charity Acts 435, described as an “ebay for giving”, is encouraging everyone to become a Secret Santa on Wednesday, December 6 by making anonymous donations.
The Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, one of the founding trustees of Acts 435, said: “St Nicholas Day is an opportunity to reclaim the more secretive aspect of giving and the invitation for each of us to be a Secret Santa – perhaps through random acts of kindness and giving anonymously to people we know or through organised charities such as Acts 435 – an online charity that enables people to give anonymously directly to individuals in need.
“Acts 435 puts people who want to help in touch with people who are in need, through a network of churches and local charities. Acts 435 enables virtual, online giving for specific needs. 100 per cent of what is donated goes directly to those in need. My encouragement to everyone on St Nicholas Day and for this Christmas is simply: “Be more St Nic!”
On St Nicholas Day, churches in England and across the globe commemorate St Nicholas of Myra – a 4th century Bishop from Turkey – whose journey from Saint to Santa began with his legend for secret gift giving to those in need.
Since its launch in 2010 Acts 435 has enabled more than 45,000 individuals to receive direct help for practical needs ranging from school uniforms to energy bills, hot meals to washing machine repairs, funeral costs to children’s shoes. Each met need represents an individual or family whose hope and dignity has been restored through gift.
More details about how Acts 435 works, impact stories and partner stories can be found at www.acts435.org.uk