DURING Christian Aid week, from May 13 to 19, the people of Launceston are standing together with more than 40-million displaced people around the world.

In Haiti, thousands of people regularly experience some of the worst natural disasters on earth. The country is one of the poorest in the world, and a high number of the population live in precarious houses or have been uprooted from their homes entirely, making them especially vulnerable when another disaster strikes. More than seven years on from the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince in 2010, an estimated 38,000 people are still displaced.

In November 2016, Hurricane Matthew wreaked yet more havoc, killing 546 people and destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure. Up to 90% of some areas were destroyed. Christian Aid’s local partner, KORAL, helps local people prepare for, and recover from disasters. Ahead of Hurricane Matthew, KORAL warned local communities, helping to evacuate around 5,000 families and saving many lives. In the immediate aftermath Christian Aid and KORAL distributed urgently-needed shelter materials and disaster-resistant homes were built, giving people safe, secure places to live. Of the dozens built before the hurricane hit, only one lost its roof in the disaster.

Local Christian Aid co-ordinator Trevor Cook, from Launceston, said: “We’re thrilled to see the people of Boyton working together to continue their Annual coffee morning and bring and buy sale on May 12 and also the Launceston Area Action Group providing a soup and sweet lunch in the Church Hall at Central Methodist Church Launceston on Sunday, May 13, following the Christian Aid Service from 10.30am to 11.30am led by Rev Malcolm Jones.”

He added: “People displaced within their own countries are rarely at the forefront of the news, but Christian Aid hasn’t forgotten them. We believe everyone counts, and we will continue to fight alongside them for justice.

“Christian Aid Week unites thousands of churches every year to raise money to support our global neighbours in need, who are often suffering through no fault of their own.

“Last year local Christian Aid groups and churches in Launceston raised over £5,000 during Christian Aid Week through a range of street collections and other fundraising events, making a great difference to people supported by the charity around the world.

“So, this Christian Aid Week, please stand together with displaced people around the world, like those still recovering in Haiti.”

To donate to Christian Aid visit the website www.caweek.org or call 08080 006 006