Council of Churches Christmas appeal

Press, 21 December 1978, Page 13

Council of Churches Christmas appeal

The National Council of Churches’ annual Christmas appeal has begun well according to the director of the council’s world service division (the Rev. B. Turner). The appeal began officially on December 3 and to date has drawn a much better response than in the corresponding period last year. The theme of this year’s appeal is “Sharing — a way of life.”

The target is the same as last year’s: $250,000. Last year, $225,000 was raised, which was a 23 per cent increase on the 1976 total. “We increased the target 40 per cent in 1977, and we managed 23 per cent. This year we are aiming for the other 17 per cent,” said Mr Turner. The target sum has been divided among different countries according to their needs. Africa will receive $29,000 for child care, rural and industrial development, and refugee re-settlement. Asia has been allocated $50,000 for vocational training, rice and coconut projects, education and a human rights programme. Migrant resettlement in Europe will receive $4OOO. Latin America will use its $19,000 for housing, educa-

tion “agricultural development, and refugee services.

The Middle East has been allocated $12,000 for the resettlement and rehabilitation of war refugees. Aid of $40,000 will assist the Pacific in fishing and agricultural projects to fight malnutrition and give educational and family assistance. A disaster fund of $66,000 has been set aside for international back-up services for relief and special efforts in health care, education, mission, and development. Promotion and administration is expected to cost about $30,000 this year, about 12 per cent of the total. An emergency fund of $20,000 will be set aside from the Christmas appeal, so that money will be immediately available for serious emergencies.