Exeter Canal Walkers raise funds for Christian Aid Week

Stepping out in the sunshine to provide hope for those affected by conflict and the climate crisis, Exeter Canal Walkers raise funds for Christian Aid Week
A local group stepped out alongside Exeter Canal on Saturday 21st May, on a sponsored walk aiming to “give new hope” to those in Ukraine, Zimbabwe and around the world who are facing conflict and the climate crisis, in support of Christian Aid Week. Just one week earlier over £700 was collected at an ecumenical church service hosted by Sidwell Street Methodist Church, to mark the start of Christian Aid Week (15-21 May) in the city.

From the war in Ukraine forcing millions to flee from their homes to the climate crisis in Zimbabwe causing devastating drought and hunger, Christian Aid is raising money to help those in most need during crises.

The ten-mile Canal Walk began with a commissioning prayer from Canon James Mustard outside the Cathedral; supporters from Sidmouth and Honiton came to join the event too.

Local organiser of the walk, Mary Ellis of Exeter Christian Aid Group, said: “We were delighted to repeat the walk for a second year and to have the support of the cathedral sending us off. It has great possibilities to grow as an annual event in the future too.

“We are pleased to help people trapped in desperate poverty who are having to contend with the ravages of climate chaos and the atrocities of a war. Christian Aid Week is an opportunity to unite with those who are suffering and give them new hope, so they can build resilient futures for their families.” 

Chris Shepherd, a Christian Aid Volunteer Speaker who joined the walkers from Sidmouth, gave a poetic blow-by-blow account of progress: 

“All went well!  

“Our group started off as six...one returned early to base and then there were five.

“Five walkers stopped for coffee and for more, one went on to do the lot...and then there were four.

“Four walkers were sitting drinking tea, one went zooming homeward and then there were three.

“Three walkers through meadows they did roam, they reached the bus station and then they went home!”

Although Ukraine is nearly 7,000 miles away, Christian Aid has warned the war will drive up food prices in Zimbabwe and around the globe. Large amounts of the world’s food, like wheat, comes from Ukraine. Without them, more people will be pushed to hunger. 

In rural Zimbabwe, seven out of ten women rely on farming to earn a living and provide for their families. But with no rain, women can’t grow enough food for their children. In times of drought, many families can only afford to eat one bowl of porridge a day.  

Jessica Mwedzi lives in Chadanyika village, Mutoko District in the northeast of the country. She explains, “One year, we had no rain. The scorching sun burnt my crops just as they were about to bloom. It was so painful and disheartening.”  

She adds: “My children crave a decent meal, but I can’t provide. It pains me to send them to bed hungry”.  

Through local partners, Christian Aid helps the most at-risk communities in Mutoko and Mudzi districts prepare for and adapt to the changing climate, empowering vulnerable communities to grow drought-resistant crops, build storerooms to preserve food for the dry months and learn new skills for alternative employment. 

Christian Aid’s church engagement officer for Cornwall and Devon, Katrine Musgrave, said: “We are all connected. Whether it’s fleeing violence or dealing with the effects of the climate crisis, those in desperate need must be supported. And over the years, I have seen the tremendous efforts of supporters in Devon and Cornwall determined to help transform the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. With every gift, every action, every prayer, every one of us can make a difference this Christian Aid Week.”

Donations can be made at caweek.org

This Christian Aid Week your gifts could transform lives.

£5 raised could buy water taps for a community garden

£15 could buy drought-resistant seeds like sorghum or millet to help 10 farmers like Jessica to grow food

£60 could train 50 women farmers to adapt and grow food in the changing climate

£250 could help a family build a storeroom, and provide seeds and fertilisers