THE Church of Ireland Diocese of Down and Dromore’s special collection to support humanitarian relief in Gaza and the wider Middle East has reached over £28,000.
The total amount raised is now £28,065 – up from £10,000 received by the end of July.
Bishop David McClay has encouraged every parish in the diocese to give people the opportunity to support this collection.
Funds for emergency aid through healthcare, food supplies and shelter will be channelled by the Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development to Tearfund and the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, who both work across the region.
The Diocese of Jerusalem runs one of the main hospitals in Gaza, Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, which cares for people from all communities and has recently been subject to several attacks.
Tearfund is working in Gaza, the West Bank and around the Middle East to provide support and vital supplies to people impacted by the conflict, including displaced communities.
Parishes and individuals still have the opportunity to contribute to the total, by sending donations to Diocese of Down and Dromore, Unit 1, 21 Old Channel Road, Belfast, BT3 9DE – marked for Gaza and Middle East Appeal.