Fast Day funds for Zimbabwe

Nontobeko Nkomo and Mongameli, aged two, at Empandeni Primary School, Zimbabwe. The lack of food is reaching a critical level - many families are starving [Annie Bungeroth]

Nontobeko Nkomo and Mongameli, aged two, at Empandeni Primary School, Zimbabwe. [Annie Bungeroth]

CAFOD supporters in Northamptonshire have raised an amazing £60,000 for the Zimbabwe emergency appeal through their Harvest Fast Day fundraising efforts

Supporters organised a series of soup lunches and collections during mass but the total amount collected still came as a welcome surpise.

Frank Sudlow, CAFOD Northampton diocesan manager, says: "We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local people."

Critical situation

The money raised will go towards CAFOD's Zimbabwe emergency appeal, which helps to feed over 100,000 men, women and children in some of the poorest areas of the country. The appeal also provides tools and seeds for farmers.

The situation in Zimbabwe is critical. Food supplies are low and a poor harvest will leave one in three people without food by March.

"For many years now, for most people in Zimbabwe, life has been a long, hard journey" explains Frank.

"With another year of poor harvests ahead, people have finally run out of ways and means to cope and it's vital we act now."

The money raised in the county will help people such as Sophia, a 63-year-old grandmother, who CAFOD met in October.

She and her grandchildren had nothing to live on but fruit they had been foraging for two months. CAFOD is now supporting Sophia and her family.

Frank said: "The need in Zimbabwe is immense. But thanks to the generosity of local people we are able to support life-saving work in the country and stand in solidarity with people like Sophia."

Give to the Zimbabwe Appeal

Make a donation to help the poorest people of Zimbabwe - please support our charity work there. A gift from you really will make a difference to thousands of people

Published on 19/12/2007, last updated on 15/09/2008

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