The Conference wishes to thank all our fellow parishioners for their most generous response to the Annual Christmas Appeal which this year raised £70,248. This strong performance was helped by the generosity of several local businesses which donated large cheques. This augmented the Church Gate Collection which is now approximately 20% of the total monies received.
From November through to the end of January the Conference spent almost £55,770 in distributing cash, heating oil and assistance and in the months of November, December and January the Society received applications from 579 households.Without this assistance Christmas would have been a bleak time for many families and in turn without your material support we would not have been able to assist this number of people.
The Conference is acutely aware of the additional pressures on households due to rising prices, particularly for food and heating and is devoting a larger share of expenditure to these items which will continue to be a major demand for the foreseeable future. The period from November through to January is the time of most demand for the Conference. However, the work of the Conference continues all year. We are, as ever, deeply appreciative for your continuing support of our efforts in the parish.