Church-goers across Pontefract came together to host a special Advent Service to raise funds to save people from the devastating effects of malaria.
The service, organised by Churches Together, took place at St Mary’s Church, The Circle, Chequerfield on Wednesday, December 2, welcomed 35 guests to an evening of hymns and celebration.
Funds raised at the service will be shared between CAFOD and Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal.
Until 5 February 2016 the UK Government will double the difference each pound donated to Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal makes, up to the value of £5 million, as part of UK Aid Match.
Guest speaker Christian Aid Regional Coordinator, Katherine Hogg, who is pictured here with Fr Bob Cooper, vicar of St Giles and St Mary's Pontefract and Rujeko Oscars, introduced the organisation’s appeal, which this year supports work to address the effects of malaria in Nigeria.
The disease claims the lives of an estimated 250,000 children under the age of five in Nigeria every year and cases of the disease in the West African country account for a quarter of all malaria cases across the continent.
Ann Harris, from the Pontefract Christian Aid Group, said: "It's so important for us at this time of year that we remember those in need. We have so much and the smallest gift we give could save a life. We were delighted to see so many people from many different churches come together at this time of year and fight poverty.”
Malaria is preventable and a donation to Christian Aid could help stop thousands of unnecessary deaths. Just £3 could buy a life-saving net and £60 could train three community health workers to deliver the nets and life-saving health advice in their local area.
To donate to Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal visit www.christianaid.org.uk/christmas