Through monthly collections taken at the Sunday Masses, the parish raises money to send aid for those in need in the world through environmental, disaster and crisis situations. Projects provide the most basic needs, food, water, healthcare and so on. The projects are administered by a group of parishioners who meet informally every two months to choose projects.

New members are invited as are suggestions for projects from parishioners and friends.

Contact: Pat Sexton 020 8657 7316

‘La Esperanza’ Honduras IHNFA is a child day care centre caring for Honduran children every week day from 8am to 4pm. Many of these children are from a place in La Esperanza known as ‘Invasion’; a large field that was taken over by many families after the destruction caused by ‘Hurricane Mitch’ in 1998. They lost everything, so attempted to rebuild their lives in this field-10yrs later they are still there. The children in this centre are very lively and happy. The money for their three meals a day is provided by the government but the food is minimal; older children fight for the scraps found on the bibs of the younger children. All other needs are catered for by donations from the voluntary workers. These contributions provide money for nappies, tissues etc. Toilet facilities need to be improved and recreational equipment provided and made safe. Basics such as toothbrushes and toothpaste are only available with these voluntary contributions.

A quote from Emma Hughes, a volunteer: “Everything is very unhygienic and a lot of the children are ill as a result. One boy had a tapeworm that has caused him many problems. He is unable to walk as a result, as the upper half of his body is so swollen and his legs have not got the muscle to hold him. Another boy has a speech impediment, another Downs’ Syndrome and another has been severely malnourished so that he is half the size he should be. Lice are everywhere. Chicken pox was breaking out whilst I was there. Special care and medications have to be given for all of these ailments, most of which require money”
Collection dates 8th/9th March