The first Christian Aid Week, in 1957, mobilised residents in 200 towns and villages across Britain collecting £26,000 for overseas development work. Half a century later Christian Aid hopes to raise £15.5 million from the annual fundraising week.
Christian Aid works with 700 local organisations across 50 developing countries. Working with poor communities, it trains people to deal with the effects of climate change and prepares them for the threat of natural disasters. These local organisations – or 'partners' – also work on HIV, training and education, health and sanitation and peace and reconciliation.

"The world has changed significantly in the past 50 years," said Daleep Mukarji, director of Christian Aid. "Little did we know in 1957 we would be facing the problem of climate change which is already destroying the lives of thousands of vulnerable people across the world.

"Christian Aid Week remains a vital part of our annual fundraising efforts and as we face new challenges, and our work increases, so too does our reliance on the generosity of the public. Without the incredible support of individuals and churches across the UK and Ireland Christian Aid would not have become the organisation it is today."

In nearly 50 countries, they work with the people at the frontline of change: their 600 overseas partner organisations. They tackle poverty and its causes. From finding better ways of farming in the Bolivian altiplano, to protecting women raped and forced from their homes in Darfur, they're there. They know what's needed. They know how to deliver change.

Through their partner organisations, Christian Aid reach some of the poorest communities on earth. Their partners tell Christian Aid the stories: of hardship and disaster, of change and heroism, of the tenacity and resolve it takes to survive, and of the victory of building a life.

These local organisations don't have to parachute in aid; they are already on the scene when disaster strikes. They know the culture, they know the politics, they know how to deliver the real, practical benefits that people need. Most of all, they're there for the long term. After the cameras have gone and the journalists have flown home, the partners remain.

Chistian Aid doesn't support governments. They support organisations that truly represent poor communities, so that they can demand what they need from their governments and from international institutions. Christian Aid are not on the side of developing country governments; they are on the side of poor people.

There are Christian Aid offices in 28 countries. Their job is to coordinate the country programmes, ensure that funds are used wisely and effectively, set strategy and report to the London office, donors and supporters. They're not there to replace local organisations, but to keep Christian Aid in touch and give on-the-spot support where it's needed.

The following have supported the appeal:

Elegant Interiors

Ervine Fairley

TJ McCabrey

Lurgan Metal Works

J&G Motor Factors

BJ Decor

Malcolmson Funeral Service

Choice Carpets

Francis McConville

PH Oil fired Boiler services

Tudor Linings

Kit'n'Kaboodle