Christian Aid Week 2025 marks 80 years of churches standing together in hope. From post-war collections to joyful community events today, churches continue to lead the way in showing compassion through action. Whether it’s a Sunday service collection or a sponsored walk, church fundraising brings people together and turns faith into real, lasting change.
Across the UK, churches are raising their voices, and vital funds, to support farmers and their community to escape hunger. Their financial support helps Christian Aid’s partners reach the most vulnerable communities and challenge the root causes of injustice.
Cycling for change in Chandlers Ford
In the Parish of Chandler’s Ford, 28 fundraisers came together for a music-filled 5km community cycle party. The event, named Pedaltastic Chandlers Ford, covered a combined total of 140km and raised over £150 for Christian Aid. Hosted by the local church and joined by students from Sherborne House School, members of the congregation and local cycling enthusiasts, it turned a fun weekend activity into something deeply meaningful.
This spirit of togetherness is what makes church charity efforts so powerful. It isn’t just about the money raised–though that matters too. It’s about showing up for your community and for people you’ll never meet, knowing that hope travels.
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By working and celebrating together we emphasise the impact of collective action in fostering positive change both locally and globally.
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Litter picking with purpose in Groby
In the village of Groby, a group of dedicated fundraisers took on a unique 70k in May challenge–by litter picking their way across the community. Each day throughout the month, members of St Philip & St James Church of England and Groby URC headed out with black bags and litter pickers in hand, determined to make a difference close to home and far beyond.
This creative and community-minded effort not only helped keep the village clean but also raised awareness and vital funds to help people push back against poverty.
We decided to do this team litter pick to raise awareness of the campaign. We want to raise funds to help more people push back against poverty; as a bonus we’re helping to keep our village litter free!
For 80 years, we've been fighting poverty and injustice. With seven days, there are so many ways to fundraise for lasting change. This Christian Aid Week, what will you do?
A journey of hope and courage
Elsie Peel, a retired teacher from Bolton, walked 70 kilometres during Christian Aid Week 2024–while undergoing chemotherapy. Inspired by our 70k in May challenge, Elsie walked in solidarity with those forced to travel long distances just to survive.
She said: ‘I decided to do this because I feel we’re fortunate in this country–so many others around the world are pushed to the brink of survival.'
Elsie’s story reminds us that every church collection and sponsored mile tells a story of hope–and that hope is contagious.
Christian Aid has done so much to empower people and especially women in many countries, and I believe it needs all our support to keep up this work.
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A legacy of love and action
Catrin Evans, a lifelong supporter from Llanfairfechan in Wales, raised £1,300 when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in the 1980s. Her story goes back even further, to her parents' early involvement with Christian Aid's forerunner, Inter Church Aid, after World War Two.
From her childhood memories of collecting clothes for refugees, to watching her father set up a fellowship of churches to support the cause, Catrin grew up in a home where giving was part of daily life. Years later, she chose to make her climb a fundraiser for Christian Aid, carrying a piece of Welsh slate to the summit in memory of the local organiser who had supported her.
Looking back, there was not a time when I didn’t know the Welsh word for refugees and I suppose Christian Aid is in my DNA really.
The future of church fundraising
Church fundraising continues to evolve – from collections at Sunday services to social media campaigns and creative community events. But at its heart, it’s still about people of faith coming together to give, walk, climb or cycle for something bigger than themselves.
With Christian Aid Week 2025 marking 80 years of partnership with churches, we're deeply thankful for every coin collected, every footstep taken and every prayer shared. Your kindness and commitment make a real difference.
And the good news? It’s not too late to get involved. Whether you’re part of a church, a small group or just want to do your bit, there’s a place for you in this story. Fundraise, donate or simply spread the word–every action, big or small, helps change lives.
Together, we can keep the unstoppable power of hope alive.
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