Bishop calling for coronavirus charity boost

The head of the Church or England in the North East is calling on people to give thanks for their covid vaccination – by making a donation to charity.

The Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham – who has received his first vaccination – says people can express their relief and gratitude at being vaccinated by supporting the charity Christian Aid.

The Diocese of Durham has partnered with the aid and development charity to help others in crisis across the world for the Christian Aid Coronavirus Appeal.

Funds from the appeal are helping vulnerable communities around the world access soap, water, food and vital health information in the face of the pandemic.

Bishop Paul said: “The vaccine is bringing with it a deep sense of relief and hope for families across the UK and increasingly we see that many people want to express their gratitude by reaching out to others.

“My hope is that people will give generously to the work of Christian Aid from a place of thanksgiving and a desire to see all people being able to live safely.”

Christian Aid’s head of community fundraising, Chine McDonald, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has shown that none of us is safe until all of us are safe.

"It has been amazing to see the speed at which the vaccines have been rolled out in the UK but the reality is that richer countries like ours are getting more access to vaccines, while the poorer countries are left at the back of the queue.”

To donate to the appeal, go to https://events.tapsimple.org/page/christian-aid/ giving-thanks-for-our-vaccines-in-the-diocese-of-durham