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St Christopher’s Cathedral clergy and administrators have been overwhelmed and heartened by the support shown to our Wrap-up for Christmas Appeal 2015 in aid of Syrian refugees.
Not only have members of its congregations rallied round to the cause but also members of the local community of all faiths.
One member of a prominent Bahraini family, for example, called into the Manama premises after being so moved by GulfWeekly reports highlighting the appeal, and produced a cheque for a ‘significant amount’ to purchase a large quantity of new blankets and socks to boost the initiative.
Rev’d Jon Lavelle, curate at St Christopher’s Cathedral, has been busy helping to pile up the donations. He said: “We have been delighted to help out by serving as a collection point for donations from all the people of Bahrain. We have also asked members of our congregation who worship at St Christopher’s to help out by bringing donations, and spreading the word at work and school.
“Our hearts are warmed and we are so gratified every time a donation comes in. It is especially nice to meet new people who bring blankets and socks to the Cathedral Office.
“We have met so many new friends of different nationalities and faiths. I say that we are friends, because we are united in a bond of compassion and common desire to help the refugees.
“This compassion is a reflection of God’s mercy toward all of mankind, reflected in those who wish to serve their neighbours.
“I find that Bahrain, in particular, is a country of good neighbours. People are happy to greet one another and help those in need.
“The appeal is going very well. Many individuals and families have brought in one or two blankets and the amount adds up quickly. Every donation, large or small, is important.
“We have also received two large donations from a prominent Bahraini family and a Bahraini businessman. These generous donations will more than double our collection.
“They are beautiful, warm blankets and socks which could truly mean the difference between health and disease, perhaps even life and death, for hundreds of refugees as winter and cold weather approach.
“Everyone is troubled and disturbed by the horrific images of refugees, especially the innocent children who have lost their homes, schools, friends and loved ones.
“We want to help, our hearts cry out. We pray for peace and we pray for the refugees every day at the cathedral.
“Today we are thankful that we have a concrete way to provide assistance by donating blankets and socks. Thank you so much for your generosity and please continue to ask your friends and co-workers to make donations. Alone we can do very little, but by working together and asking others for help, we can make a difference.
“Please, let’s continue to pray and work for peace and provide assistance to the refugees.”
David Axtell, chairman of the Bahrain Anglican Church Council, added: “This campaign has really galvanised all local communities.
“Warmth is something we, perhaps, take for granted and the fact that Syrian refugees have died in refugee camps due to the cold has really struck a chord with everyone.
These supplies will hopefully make a real difference this winter.”
As reported last week, school children have also rallied to support the region’s first-ever newspaper Christmas appeal to provide essential winter supplies to refugees who have fled war-torn Syria to live in camps across neighbouring countries.
We are asking our readers to open their hearts over the festive period and as they prepare to celebrate National Day and mark Accession Day.
Our campaign is simple … we are appealing for just blankets and socks to ensure desperate families living under basic tented shelter do not freeze to death during the coming weeks.
GulfWeekly has teamed up with DHL, the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company with regional headquarters in Bahrain, who will endeavour to deliver the first supplies by Christmas morning.
St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manama and Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Janabiya have offered to act as collection points for donations, as well as the Multinational School-Bahrain in Adliya, the British School of Bahrain in Hamala and St Christopher’s School in Saar.
* The aim is to be able to deliver warmth and support and perhaps some hope that things will get better. One person can’t change the world, but you can change the world for one person. Please donate blankets and socks by December 20.
