The collection of loose change began as a way our young people could help those in need beyond our parish. This collection has helped a number of charitable organisations such as Embrace the Middle East, Bury Hospice, Save the Children Fund, Children’s Relief Bethlehem, the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity to name a few.
During the pandemic collections were not permitted but this did not prevent many parishioners bringing bags of change to leave in the basket at the back of church.
At PCC in March, and following recent news reels, it was unanimously agreed to donate £90 which had accumulated to the appeal by Dnipro Kids (see below for more information).
In October we sent £50 to Eagles Wing, is a mutual support group for asylum seekers and local people in Bury, Lancashire. Their aim is to befriend newcomers to our town. Old friends can make sure that no one is lonely and isolated when they arrive here. They have members who have come from all over the world, speaking many different languages.
Thank you to all who contribute. Little do we realise that small change can make a real difference to someone’s life. If anyone has information about a suitable local charity that we can support, please have a word with one of the church officials.
Dnipro Kids
From BBC.com in March
A group of 52 children from orphanages in Dnipro in Ukraine have arrived at their temporary new home in Scotland.
They will stay in the Callander area, near Stirling, before moving to Edinburgh in small family-style groups.
Steven Carr from Dnipro Kids, which arranged the evacuation, said he was "ecstatic" to get them to safety.
The Edinburgh charity, which was set up by Hibernian fans and has been supporting the orphanages for many years, enabled the children to flee to Poland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted a welcome, and wrote: "I know you'd all rather be at home in Ukraine but you'll find love, care and support here for as long as you need it."
Dnipro Kids has arranged accommodation for the children, who range in age from one to late teens, as well as two older "sisters" and their seven legal guardians.
They will stay in a rural hostel while they acclimatise to life in Scotland, then move to Edinburgh to live within the smaller household groups they had at home in Dnipro until it is safe for them to return to Ukraine.
Mr Carr told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland they were "ecstatic" to finally get the children to the "quiet and secluded" hostel where they can be together and the orphanage "mothers" can support each other.
He said: "Dnipro Kids has got a fantastic committee in place that has been working non-stop to make sure everything is in place for the kids when they arrive.
"It's just great to finally get over the line."
Although the charity was initially set up by Hibs fans following a UEFA cup match in Dnipro in 2005, he said it had gained "phenomenal" support since beginning the evacuation from Ukraine.
Many people have offered money, time and services, including members of the Ukrainian community in Edinburgh who are helping with language issues.
The children will continue their education with an online Ukrainian programme being used by displaced students during the conflict.
"We just take care of them, we make sure everything is in place," Mr Carr said.
"It's very traumatic [for the children] - I wouldn't say they are excited to be here, hopefully that will happen over the next few days.
"I think at the moment it's just relief they are now here, they know they are no longer in limbo, they know they can now settle down and get themselves adjusted."