Christian Aid

2005 is a significant year for Christian Aid. Not only do we celebrate 60 years of responding to need around the world, but we also have the best opportunity in a generation to make global poverty history.

There is a real chance of success for the international trade justice campaign, which could improve the lives of billions of people in poor countries. Christian Aid believes that it is essential to tackle the underlying causes of poverty, as well as its symptoms. By campaigning, Christian Aid aims to change the systems that cause or perpetuate poverty. Building on the success of previous campaigns, Christian Aid is currently working with other organisations in the Trade Justice Movement to make global trade work in the interests of the world's poorest communities, not against them.

The way Christian Aid spends your money

Out of every pound received, Christian Aid spends:

• 52p on long-term development projects
• 11p on responding to emergencies
• 16p on campaigning and education
• 19p on fundraising
• 2p on administration

Funds are channelled into community groups and church organisations in the countries in which Christian Aid works. These organisations - Christian Aid's partners - use the money to help people directly. They do not give money to governments, nor do they fund individuals.

They fund projects that help people irrespective of their beliefs. They are not a missionary organisation. While some of the work they fund is done through local Christian organisations, it is for the benefit of all.

They are never party-political, and always work within the law. However, they believe that it is their duty to address the causes of poverty and many of these causes, such as debt or trade, are essentially political or economic in origin.

And so the money raised by the efforts of the Carluke churches - St Andrew's, St Athanasius, St John's, Kirkton and URC - working together during the recent Christian Aid Week, will be used to carry on the vital work done by Christian Aid to eradicate poverty.

As ever, we are extremely grateful for your support and so we say a big THANK YOU to everyone who assisted in making our fund raising efforts during Christian Aid week a great success. This year the Cafe raised £4219 (of which St John's raised £1551). The door to door collection raised £3068 and the offering taken at the Christian Aid service amounted to £280. A generous donation of £1000 from CHOICES and a further donation of £100 from Carluke Christian Fellowship resulted in the grand total of £8667 being raised during Christian Aid Week.

You are indeed helping to change the world!