British Union Conference

ADRA-UK Launches its 2019 Appeal

Bert Smit

ADRA-UK launched its 2019 Appeal on Saturday 30 March for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The appeal will run from until Sunday 14 April for most of the United Kingdom but is extended until Sunday 21 April for those who live in Greater London. Collections in Scotland vary by council. This year's appeal will assist with ADRA's work in Zambia, Myanmar (formal and informal education for ethnic groups), Ghana (agri-business, livelihoods, and economic empowerment), Rwanda (girls education), Sri Lanka (improving the health, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation in rural and tea estate communities), UK (Aberdaron Special Needs Camp, ASNA and church urban community projects such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters etc)

In addition to these development projects, ADRA-UK continues to support disasters wherever emergencies arise, such as the recent crisis in southeast Africa caused by Cyclone Idai, which has affected the lives of at least 3 million people in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

The target for the 2019 ADRA Appeal is £600,000.00. Fundraising will be conducted through the door-to-door collection which is known as 'Ingathering', by the participation in fundraising initiatives such as concerts, sporting activities and bake-sales and also through giving through congregational offering and individual donation.

"The 2019 ADRA Appeal is the one time in the year that can directly solicit funds from the public on their doorsteps. 'Ingathering' is one way in which we can connect with our communities. There are many people who have built up a relationship with their neighbours over the years simply by collecting from them at the door," said Bert Smit, ADRA-UK, CEO. "We would encourage everyone to participate in the 2019 ADRA Appeal in some way. We have coin cards for the children so that they can collect from family members as well so participating in the 2019 ADRA Appeal can be about total member involvement."

Last year, ADRA-UK made a positive change in the lives over 13 million women, men and children in need in the UK and abroad.

ABOUT ADRA: The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. For more information, visit www.adra.org.uk.