Each year at AUC, between October and December, we make a number of collections to support organisations who are seeking to build justice and kindness in our world.
We then dedicate these as our offering at the December Gift Service. The Gift Service this year is on Sunday 12 December at 11am, online and in the building.
Fiona writes: “I am hoping that all of our gifts will have been made and distributed before the 12th and will NOT be brought to the building that day…”
Our 2021 gifts will be for:
CHRISTIAN AID
We would invite all AUC members to consider making a donation to Christian Aid this year in place of sending each other Christmas cards. Please donate to Christian Aid directly online (christianaid.org.uk). Christian Aid supports emergency relief across the world, including refugees.
FRESHSTART
If you have household items you would like to donate to Freshstart to support people moving from homelessness into their own home, please take them directly to the warehouse (22-24 Ferry Rd Drive, EH4 4BR: Mon—Thurs, 9-4pm). If you have challenges with transportation, contact Fiona (minister@augustine.org.uk) or Kathleen (Kathleen.ziffo@augustine.org.uk). Alternatively, you can make a financial donation through their website (freshstartweb.org.uk/donate).
ROYAL EDINBURGH HOSPITAL (REH)
We are collecting money to buy small Christmas presents which will be distributed by the chaplains to people who find themselves in the REH over Christmas. If you would like to make a donation please hand in a cheque / cash to the church office, or pay online to Augustine (www.augustine. org.uk) clearly marking that your donation is for the REH.
EDINBURGH DIRECT AID (EDA)
EDA supports Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the people of Lebanon. Along with some of the Syrian refugees, EDA is continuing to help rebuild parts of Beirut damaged in last year’s devastating explosion; they are working with a German NGO to do this and gain access for occasional lorry loads of supplies.
There is still difficulty accessing Lebanon, despite the government reducing tariffs on imported goods (including aid) and Beirut port partially functioning again. Lebanon has a refugee population (Syrian, Palestinian and others) of almost half of the existing ‘native’ population. (Imagine the UK taking in 25 million refugees!!)
EDA are looking for goods and financial support. We would encourage you to make donations of goods directly to their warehouse (29 Starbank Rd, Edinburgh, EH5 3BY. 11.30-2.30pm Wed & Sun) If you have challenges with transportation contact Fiona (minister@augustine.org.uk) or Kathleen (Kathleen.ziffo@augustine.org.uk)
FOOD BANKS
We would encourage everyone to consider putting some goods into the baskets at supermarkets that collect for local food banks, or to make a financial donation online (trusselltrust.org/make-a-donation/).