Caring and Sharing

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Caring and Sharing

What is Caring and Sharing? "Our aim is to live more simply so that others may simply live."
The "Caring and Sharing" scheme was started by the former Bishop of Lewes, Peter Ball. It is based upon two simple ideas: one that by making a small sacrifice members can begin to turn away from the material values of the western world; and the other that they can share their comparative wealth by sending the savings from this small sacrifice to projects in poor countries which help to provide the basic needs of life. The sacrifice is not expected to be a major one; it is in its regularity that it grows in value. For example, one cup of coffee less a day, at 7p, will raise 49p in a week, and £25.48 in a year. This sum, together with those given regularly by many others can soon add up, about £100,000 is sent to our chosen projects. Although "Caring and Sharing" is about an individual's commitment and an individual's sacrifice, it is usually done in a group. This can be as a Parish, a village, or just a few friends. Each group has a representative who keeps in touch with the members and forwards the savings regularly to our treasurer. *St Stephen's is supporting two "Caring and Sharing" projects.* If you would like to contribute, there is a special box at the back of the church for donations, or if you would like to know more about the scheme, please contact our representatives: Reg and Mary Hawkins, 2a Glenthorn Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3QH, Tel 215382
Feeding Programme in Honduras.
The nature of this project has changed over time. Last year we were providing lunches to children in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. This country in central America does not appear often in our newspapers but about 80% of the population lives below the poverty level. (If you don't believe this check with UNICEF's web site!) The children usually come from a one-parent family and work in the markets all day or go to school half a day and work the other half. Schooling is supposed to be free in Honduras but in fact costs at least $50 per year for primary school. Most unfortunately, some of the sponsors who provided the majority of the funds needed to provide the lunches withdrew their support early last year. Our limited funds now supply the children with a mid- morning or afternoon snack when they attend a health education event once a week. To meet the costs of snacks for 200 children for 50 weeks of the year we need to raise £3,500. If more could be raised we could restore the lunches but this would cost about £10,000. www.letthechildrenlive.org
£1,650 was sent by "Caring and Sharing" to this project in 2000.
Bolgatanga, Ghana
Funding this year has gone to support the basic needs of the 7 foster children aged between 4 and 17 years, living with Father Edwin Abanga and to another 5 who need help although they live at home. They have been provided with food, shelter, medical care, education and other long-term needs. Support has also gone to the marginalised in the society; the destitute who knock at the door and for whom handouts will continue to be the only source of survival. The Mother and Baby Home, and the Women's groups engaged in income generating activities both still exist and are all doing very well. Father Edwin writes: "The children join me in sending our love and best wishes to you all. May God bless us all in the works we do, and good wishes to you all in the Caring and Sharing family. You remain in our prayers."
£2300 was sent by "Caring and Sharing" to this project in 2000.