VOLUNTEERS in Cardigan have been presented with Diamond Awards for years of fund-raising for international development charity Christian Aid.

As Christian Aid marks 60 years of its annual fund-raising drive, Christian Aid Week, the charity is celebrating the incredible dedication of its supporters by awarding Diamond Awards across the UK.

Every May, thousands of supporters take the streets – for door-to-door collections, bake sales, sponsored walks, abseils, among many other events – to raise money to support people around the world living in poverty.

The award was presented to the churches in Cardigan by the head of Christian Aid, Huw Thomas, at a special fundraising concert with Côr Crymych at St Mary’s Church in Cardigan.

An award was also presented to David Peregrine, who has been a driving force behind Christian Aid’s activities in Cardigan and the treasurer of the group for many years.

The Diamond Awards are timely, as the churches celebrate raising more than £100,000 since 1988.

As well as organising events throughout the year, the group of churches in Cardigan raise between £1,500 and £2,700 annually during this one week alone in May towards Christian Aid’s humanitarian work.

This May during Christian Aid Week they had many collections and events organised, including the famous House to House collection.

Christian Aid’s area coordinator for West Wales, Tom Defis said: “Without the dedication of our supporters year on year, we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do.

“Right now, Christian Aid is tackling poverty in around 40 countries around the world, including providing support to refugees and food and water to those on the brink of starvation across East Africa where the lives of 16 million people hang in the balance.

“It is no exaggeration to say that it is thanks to the dedication and vision of supporters that we are able to respond and not only reach these people in desperate need but also challenge the causes of poverty at the same time.

“Their commitment changes lives and it is a privilege to recognise the contribution of volunteers in Cardigan towards a world where people not only survive, but thrive.”

Christian Aid was born in the aftermath of the Second World War, when a generation of Christians decided they would not stand by while people suffered in refugee camps and continues to support people seeking a safe place to call home today.

You can help to change the lives of people fleeing conflict and crisis this Christian Aid Week by donating online at www.caweek.org, calling 08080 006 006, or texting ‘GIVE’ to 70040 to give £5.