A Diamond Collector

From helping organise delicious lunches in Lent to cake sales and street collections, the dedication of Lyme Regis fundraiser Ann Sargant has been recognised by the international aid and development charity, Christian Aid.

Ann, a member of St Michael’s Church, who has been involved in fundraising for Christian Aid for over 50 years, was presented with a Diamond award on Monday 8^th May for her ongoing commitment to tackling global poverty and injustice by the charity’s Regional Coordinator for Dorset, Fiona Daborn.

The Diamond Awards were created by Christian Aid to recognise the crucial part played by supporters as it prepares to mark 60 years of its annual fundraising drive, Christian Aid Week, held this year from May 14-20^th.

Christian Aid was born in the aftermath of the Second World War in response to the suffering of refugees scattered across Europe and this year is appealing once again to the public to help it support those people forced from their homes by conflict and crisis in today’s world.

Lyme Regis Christian Aid Group has raised £6,750 for Christian Aid Week since 2012 and this year lunches will be followed up by a cream tea on Saturday 20^th May from 2.30pm – 5.00pm at The Red House, Sidmouth Road, Lyme Regis.

Ann said, “Having lived in Zambia for 2 years I saw poverty and malnutrition with my own eyes.  I first got involved with Christian Aid in the 60’s when we were invited round to a friend’s house for dinner and to pay for our dinner we were challenged to join in with the local house to house collection!    We are still friends with those folks to this day and we all still support Christian Aid.  The theme for Christian Aid Week this year really resonates with me because I think it is so important that we look after refugees.”

Ed Standhart Christian Aid group treasurer for Lyme Regis, who nominated Ann for the award, noted, “Ann feels very positive about Christian Aid and her hard work is known not just in Lyme Regis but throughout the wider Golden Cap group and is supported by other churches in the town”

Fiona Daborn said, “Right now, Christian Aid is tackling poverty in 39 countries around the world, including providing support to refugees and food and water to those on the brink of starvation across East Africa where the lives of 16 million people hang in the balance.

STOP PRESS - the Bishop of Salisbury’s Lent appeal for Christian Aid’s work in famine stricken South Sudan has now passed £73,000, with late donations still trickling in here. Thank you!

“It is no exaggeration to say that it is thanks to the dedication and vision of supporters like Ann that we are able to not only reach these people in desperate need but also challenge the causes of poverty and empower people to lift themselves out of poverty at the same time.

“Our supporters’ commitment changes lives and it is a privilege to recognise Ann’s contribution towards a world where people not only survive, but are given the opportunity to thrive.”

Fiona presented Ann with her ‘Long-Standing Supporter’ Diamond Award at St. Michael’s church in Lyme Regis.

You can help to change the lives of people trapped in poverty and affected by conflict and crisis this Christian Aid Week by donating online at www.caweek.org calling 08080 006 006, or texting ‘GIVE’ to 70040 to give £5.