Student’s fundraiser for Ibiza prayer trip
Blair charity shop will help Kathryn return to island
A 20-year-old student from Blairgowrie is raising funds for a trip to Ibiza this summer to work with the international Christian charity 24/7 Prayer.
And as part of her fundraising efforts, Kathryn Ritchie, who is currently in the second year of a degree in religious studies at Edinburgh University, is holding a charity shop in the former Howes premises on Reform Street in Blairgowrie.
Kathryn says that her work in Ibiza will involve helping young people in vulnerable situations and working in a special centre aimed at building good relationships with people who work in the pubs and clubs on the island.
She explained: “I got involved with 24/7 Prayer because I went out to Ibiza last summer for two weeks with my church Central, Jesus at the Heart in Edinburgh.
“24/7 Prayer is an international charity working in all different countries but the Ibiza outreach is called 24/7 Ibiza.
“There was a group of six of us from Scotland last year and it was just amazing to have all my preconceived notions of what Ibiza was like to be shattered.
“Ibiza is the most beautiful place I have ever been to, with the most fantastic sunsets, but within all the beauty there is a real dark side to the clubbing lifestyle which is why it is so fantastic that there is a team out there working all season long to build relationships, actively pray for the people and the island and physically help those in need.”
Kathryn went on: “The night work is when the team goes out to help young people in vulnerable situations. This can involve taking people home, sobering them up or taking them to get medical attention.
“During the day work we run a workers’ centre where those who are working in the pubs and clubs can come along and play Fifa, get free internet, get their nails done or have a massage, and chat to members of the team.
“On Wednesdays we go out with sacks of oranges and give them out for free on the tourist beaches. This is a great way to get into conversations with people, asking for prayer requests and letting the workers in Ibiza know about our day centre.
“We also give out wristbands with our number on them so that if they need help at night they have someone to contact to help them.
“I was keen to go back and help at the centre again this year as I want to spread the love that God has for the party goers and workers in Ibiza who are often in difficult situations.
“I love the fact that because there is a team set up out in Ibiza we can help the young folk get back to a place of safety.”
Kathryn has already held an afternoon tea at her flat in Edinburgh which raised just over £200 and is also currently working two jobs in Edinburgh to fund her trip.
She said: “I would like to thank friends and family who have been so generous in supporting my efforts.
“We have been so lucky to receive some fantastic donations for the charity shop as well, lots of quality items including many brand new and nearly new dresses, suits and shirts, some brand new Disney toys and lots of electrical goods.
“There will also be crafts, tablet for sale and a raffle and tombola at the shop. Please feel free to come along, browse, chat to us and grab yourself a bargain!”
The shop will be open from Saturday, June 11 to Friday, June 17 from 9.30am to 4.30pm (later on Monday).