WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Thank you for promoting the 2019 Christmas Appeal. Your support means we can reach many more people in the ways that recognise their needs and respects their dignity. Life without water is impossible. Working together, we can make sure more people have access to the water they need for life.

The need is clear – give water for Christmas, the essence of survival.

BACKGROUNDThe Christmas Appeal was launched by the then National Council of Churches in 1945. The money raised in the first appeal was sent to rebuild Greece after the war. For 74 years, churches and New Zealanders have given generously to others. Together we have helped millions of people survive disasters, build new livelihoods and uphold their human rights. We work with experienced local partners who achieve real gains in their communities often in very difficult situations. They are helping refugees and displaced people, families struggling to deal with the changing climate and loss of livelihood, and communities trying to overcome violence and injustice. By giving to the Christmas Appeal, you are supporting all of our partners in their work to take action against poverty.

We are always happy to answer any questions you might have – and to receive feedback.

Christian World Service PO Box 22652,

Christchurch 8140 0800 74 7372 christmasappeal.org.nz

Christmas Appeal 2019

WHERE TO FIND MORE RESOURCESChristmas is the season for sharing life and giving hope. This year Christian World Service is asking you to support our appeal for water and give families the new opportunities it can bring.

Your church will have its own Christmas traditions so we have prepared worship materials that can be adapted for your place. We know for many the candle lighting liturgy each Sunday is the most important way of focusing on the Christmas Appeal. We are grateful to Alice Bates, a final year theology student and former church worker, who wrote some of the resources for each Sunday and Christmas Day. These and other resources are available on the website: christmasappeal.org.nz .

WHERE THE MONEY GOESIn CWS uses your gifts carefully. We have strong and direct relationships with local partner groups and confidence in their ability to improve the lives of people in their communities. We are proud of how much they have achieved with the gifts you have given to CWS for over 70 years. The stories featured in this year’s Christmas Appeal explore a small part of the work they do. You can read more on the website and in our seasonal appeals

In the last year, we have sent funds to 19 partners and in response to 13 emergency situations in 21 countries. We received matching government funding for ACT Alliance Indonesia responding after the earthquake and tsunami on Central Sulawesi.

We are part of the ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together), a coalition of 155 churches and faith-based organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance, advocacy and development in over 140 countries. We do not have offices or staff overseas. We work in partnership with skilled local groups who are the experts and the activists in their communities. They are building strong communities that stand up for themselves. Help is provided regardless of religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, race or nationality and to the highest international codes and standards.

Examples from our partners’ plans for 2018/9:

In Uganda, $366 pays for a rainwater tank for a family of children who have been affected by HIV and AIDS

In South India, $1,320 will train and support fisherfolk to protect homes and livelihoods

In Nicaragua $330 will fund a woman’s home garden, giving her seeds, trees, tools, fencing, a pig and/or chickens and training

In an emergency like Indonesia, $123 funds vital water rations for 1300 people – meeting the emergency standard of 15 litres each per day

In Jordan, $40 provides for regular check-ups for mother and baby at the primary health clinic for Palestinian or Syrian refugees.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThanks to the people who have made this year’s Christmas Appeal happen, notably the ACT Alliance‘s Håvard Bjelland and Paul Jeffrey, Black Advertising, the Centre for Community Solidarity in Uganda, Luxon’s Advertising and Meta Digital. Special thanks to the church leaders who have given their endorsement to our partners for images and stories, and to Alice Bates for the resources.

GIFTS FOR CHANGEChoose a Christmas gift that will bring joy and meaning. Make your selection from our range of gifts that can offer a family another step out of poverty or new opportunities. You make the choice for a loved one or friend and know that you are giving something meaningful.

Your gift is a donation to the local partner running programmes in their

community. If you buy a Market stall, a woman in Uganda will get training and support to start a small business. Climate Hope contributes to the work the Pacific Conference of Churches is doing on a global scale. Send a Child to School will pay some of the costs for rural children in Haiti.

When you order a gift, CWS will send you a quality card to pass on or you can choose the e-card option. Some churches and groups find Gifted works best for them. Take a look at our new website www.gift.org.nz for more gifts or information. Order extra catalogues from cws@cws.org.nz or 0800 74 73 72.