Sunday: Parish Eucharist 9.00am Evensong 6.00pm (Book of Common Prayer said) For other services see the Notices in the Church Porch

Dear Friends,

The Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Christian Aid launched an emergency appeal for Haiti on Wednesday 13 January 2010, after a major earthquake struck the country. Thousands of people are feared dead and countless have been left homeless.

They have already released £100,000 for immediate emergency relief to help all those affected, and hope to send even more.

The quake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale, struck 15km southwest of the capital just before 5pm local time. The Christian Aid office building collapsed and three people, including Christian Aid staff, had to be rescued from the rubble.

Since then each day has brought more news and information as to the full extent of the damage;  very high loss of life, widespread destruction of homes, schools and other buildings, and major damage to key water, electricity, communications and road systems.

'The Christian Aid building was relatively robust," explains Caribbean regional manager Judith Turbyne, "but bearing in mind the very flimsy, fragile state of buildings in the poorer communities, it is hardly surprising that there has been such severe damage."

Haiti is already the poorest country in the Americas, ranking lower than Kenya or Bangladesh on the UN human development index. Most people in Port-au-Prince live in slum housing, so an earthquake of this magnitude is catastrophic.

Christian Aid partners in Haiti are very experienced in emergency response work, and will begin emergency relief activities in the affected areas as soon as possible. The need is massive. People urgently need food, water, blankets, shelter and medical supplies.

A special fundraising event organised by the children and young people of Acklington will take place on Saturday 30th January in the Village Hall, by the time you get your copy of the Pelican that might already have happened, but don’t worry you still have  another chance to help the people of Haiti because on Saturday 6th February there will be a Coffee Morning in St Lawrence Church in Warkworth from 10-11.30am. If you haven't already made a donation do come and support us, everyone is welcome, or if you prefer, you can leave your donation at the Vicarage.  

Revd Canon Janet Brearley, Vicar
February 2010.