Car washing and coffee in support of Ukraine
Congratulations to Seagoe Café Youth Church who have raised over £1800 for Bishops’ Appeal Ukraine Fund by washing cars and serving coffee!
“The people of Seagoe Parish continue to be horrified by the terrible situation in Ukraine and the subsequent suffering of so many people. Over recent weeks we have focused our main response on supporting the Bishops’ Appeal for this war–torn country.
“Our decision to use the Bishops’ Appeal was focused by the knowledge that the partners they will be working with, namely Christian Aid and Habitat for Humanity, have well established links with the church in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. For those who have wanted to give items rather than cash, we have linked with Barnabas Aid, another well–established agency working with churches in the area. We have been so encouraged by the response to these appeals.
“When the members of Our Café Youth Church discussed the situation in Ukraine some of them came up with the idea of holding a fundraising carwash. The members and leaders quickly worked through all the practical issues involved, and as they did so they decided it would be a good idea to host a coffee shop in the Rotunda Café in the Parish Centre at the same time. They organised for the event to be publicised in church and on social media.
“The team laid out the car park to guide people through the various stages of power washing, lathering, sponging and finally rinsing, before directing the drivers to park their gleaming cars and go for a coffee! More team members prepared and served refreshments and a range of homemade scones and traybakes.
“There was no charge for either, but a £10 donation for the carwash was suggested, and a donation box was provided for the refreshments. Taxpayers were encouraged to Gift Aid their contributions.
“The team worked steadily all morning and were thrilled to realise that their hard work had resulted in over £1800 being raised. On the Sunday morning in church the team gathered at the front to thank the congregation and to reveal the total. Everyone was thrilled by the amount which will be added to money already contributed by the congregation.
“As a staff, we’re delighted by the response of the congregation, but in particular, by the desire of our young people to respond in such a positive and creative way to the terrible situation in Ukraine.”
Canon Terence Cadden, Rector