Fundraising

Distribution of emergency aid

Karen Laister Emergency aid, Fundraising

Many thanks to those who have already responded to our emergency appeal to help poor communities during the coronavirus lockdown in Kolkata.

On Easter Sunday food packets with basics such as rice, lentils, sugar, milk and oil were distributed to over 200 families. On Easter Monday the CRS vehicle went to another location and distributed a similar amount to very grateful recipients.

If you wish to donate so that food aid can be extended to other needy communities, please visit http://www.cathedralreliefservice.net/donate/uk/ to find out how.

           

Mahamaya building officially inaugurated

Karen Laister Buildings and facilities, Celebrations, Fundraising, Visitors

There were grand celebrations on 30 January 2020 for the inauguration of the multi-purpose centre at Mahamaya.

The ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Calcutta, Rt. Revd. Dr. Paritosh Canning.

He was accompanied by guests including Revd. Anita Matthews, one of the Trustees of the UK Friends of CRS, Mr. Peter Routley, a long-time associate of and donor to CRS, teachers from Scargill CofE Primary School, members of the CRS Executive Committee, and visitors from Derbyshire.

There are still some finishing touches to be made to the upper floors but this building will soon be in full use for a variety of activities supporting residents of Mahamaya and surrounding villages.

   

 

Small change adds up

Karen Laister Fundraising

Naresh and Rashmi Ghelani, who run a newsagents in Cambridge, have been loyal supporters of CRS for many years.

As well as the collection box on the counter in the shop, Rashmi makes everyone empty out loose change from their pockets and purses whenever she goes to a family gathering!

In the past ten months these collections have amounted to £360, mainly in small silver and copper coins, all of which makes an appreciable difference for CRS.

Heartfelt thanks to the Canadian Friends of CRS

Karen Laister Canadian Friends, Fundraising

We are sorry to announce that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Canadian Friends of CRS recently dissolved as a group dedicated to supporting CRS.

We are very grateful for a decade of support by Sheila Johnston from Vancouver. After visiting Kolkata in 2010, she was inspired CRS’s work in education, the empowerment of women, and social justice issues.

She established the Canadian Friends of CRS to spread awareness about the needs of poor and marginalised people in India, and to raise funds for CRS.

The Canadian Friends channeled donations large and small from people across the country. The annual Penny Pot Tea, where supporters counted the small change they had collected through the year, was always a highlight.

Over the years they sent many thousands of Canadian dollars to CRS where 100 per cent of it was spent directly on projects.

The Canadian Friends also facilitated visits of the CRS Director and the Bishop from Kolkata to speak to local supporters; likewise individuals from Canada were privileged to visit CRS projects and see the impact of fundraising for themselves.

CRS would like to express thanks and gratitude to Sheila for her dedicated leadership; the other Directors – Sara, Keith, Roma and David – for their commitment over many years; and people across Canada who have given so generously.