Each year we support a number of charities by giving money or gifts of a practical nature. We regularly collect food and other essentials for the Carlisle Women’s Shelter throughout the year but our harvest gifts are given with them specifically in mind - a harvest of tights and toothpaste!
The Ugandan Rural Schools Initiative was set up by A.V. volunteer Peter Gate in 2003 to raise money for building classroom blocks, dormitories and staff houses in poor schools in Uganda. Peter now works with Claire and Alex van Straubenzee who have set up the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund. Currently over £200,000 has been donated towards school projects at 14 schools across Uganda. As a result of improved facitilies Bupadhengo Primary is now achieving the best exam results in the Kamuli district.
Peter visited Gilsland three years ago and moved many hearers with description of his work. Since then money has been raised in the village through lunches, coffee mornings and a candle-lit dinner.
Last year we supported:
The Bishop’s Harvest Appeal
Flood Relief in Keswick
Members of our church also fund-raise for The Ugandan Rural Schools Initiative