THE Bishop of St Asaph is supporting aid and development charity Christian Aid to give people an opportunity to give thanks for their Covid-19 vaccine and help others in crisis across the world.

Recognising the deep sense of relief and gratitude experienced by many people after being vaccinated, Christian Aid has enabled people to pass the blessing on by making a donation to help its work supporting vulnerable people in some the world’s poorest communities.

Funds from the appeal are helping vulnerable communities around the world access soap, water, food and vital health information in the face of the pandemic. Many communities around the world face an uncertain wait for a vaccine as questions remain around the cost and timing of a global vaccine programme.

The Bishop of St Asaph, the Right Revd Gregory Cameron, who has just had his vaccination, said: “The vaccine is bringing with it a deep sense of relief and hope for families across Wales and the UK and I know that many people will want to express their gratitude for the science which produced it and the health services which have made it freely available.

“While the pandemic affects all of us, it has highlighted the deep disparities in how communities and families are able to protect themselves both within our country and around the world.

“My hope is that people will give generously to the work of Christian Aid from a place of thanksgiving and a desire to see all people being able to live safely. Whether people can give just a few pounds or a much larger sum, it will be an opportunity to share hope and love with our brothers and sisters across the world who do not have the benefits we have.”

Christian Aid partners have so far directly helped over half a million people in 27 countries including distributing food packages to nearly 60,000 people struggling to feed their families after losing work during lockdown and the economic downturn.

Going forwards, Christian Aid will support vaccination programmes in communities by providing data on hard-to-reach populations to local health services and by working with trusted community figures to challenge misleading information about the virus and vaccination as well as any stigma faced by those who contract Covid-19.

Cynan Llwyd, Acting Head of Christian Aid in Wales said: “The coronavirus pandemic has shown us that none of us are safe, until all of us are safe. It has been amazing to see the speed at which the vaccines have been rolled out in the UK – every jab in someone’s arm brings us closer to the end of Covid-19.

“But the reality is that richer countries like ours are getting more access to vaccines, while the poorer countries in which Christian Aid works are left at the back of the queue. As a Christian organisation, we believe that every person is equal in the sight of God and worthy of living lives with dignity, equality and justice.

“We’re delighted to receive the support of the Bishop of Llandaff as we give people an opportunity to say thanks and help protect our global neighbours while the vaccine is out of reach.”

You can donate to Christian Aid’s appeal by visiting this website: www.christianaid.org.uk/give/ways-donate/give-thanks-your-coronavirus-vaccine