By the time you read this article, Harvest Fast Day may well have been and gone. However, we thought that we would still like to inform you about the focus of this year’s Harvest Fast Day. You are probably only too well aware that the traditional Harvest and Lent Fast Days are the two main CAFOD fundraising appeals in dioceses throughout England and Wales. Last year, parishes in Middlesbrough Diocese donated around £100,000 during the two Fast Day appeals.
The theme of living simply in order to give generously forms the backdrop of this year’s Harvest Fast Day appeal. The country focus this time is Mozambique and CAFOD’s work in helping people living with HIV and AIDS to live the best possible lives they can by ensuring they receive appropriate healthcare and support.
Celina, pictured, is only 18 yet she carries a heavy responsibility. Both her parents are HIV positive. As well as nursing her sick parents, Celina is also bringing up her brother, sister and son in a drought stricken part of Mozambique. When the village pump stops working, she has to walk for three hours to fetch water. She spends her days cooking, washing and collecting firewood.
Thankfully, Celina does not have to shoulder this heavy burden alone. CAFOD supports a network of HIV activists who volunteer to stand alongside families in need. ‘When our activist, Amelia, comes here, she helps me cook, do the housework and fetch water’, says Celina. ‘Without her help, I would have to look after the family all on my own. Amelia has made a big difference to my parents’ life. Even though she is here to support my parents, her presence supports me. It means I have more time to look after the children.’
Celina went to school up to grade six, but then had to stop because she had a baby. Although she hasn’t been able to go back since, she hopes to be able to do evening classes one day.
‘It is hard to be a single mother because I must provide everything for my baby. And because my parents are sick, I must look after their children as well. One day, I would like to return to studying and, if I had the opportunity, I would like to go and see other lands. We are so glad for the help that you give us. Please find it in your hearts to keep supporting us because we need as much help as we can get.’
Community volunteers such as Amelia offer a vital lifeline to thousands of families ñ giving both practical and emotional support at a time when many families face stigma and discrimination.
Amelia says: ‘I believe this was a call from God to assist people. That’s why I don’t see my role as an activist as hard work. I do it on a voluntary basis and I do it from the bottom of my heart. In church, I learn to love my neighbour as much as I love myself and my own family. I know that the family appreciates this help. When I arrive, they smile and look happy to see me and when I leave, they thank me and say how much I’ve helped them. I pray to God that CAFOD supporters can continue their good work in this village. With your support, our lives are slowly getting better. Thank you.’
Celina’s mother told us how grateful she is for this support: ‘Without the food parcel, our family would be starving. We also rely on our activist to help us around the house. As well as counselling us, she brings water and is a daily support to us…. Without this help, I think I would have died.’
Through your generosity this Fast Day, you will help to train more HIV activists like Amelia who give their time freely and generously to stand alongside families struggling to cope with HIV and AIDS.
Please give generously!
Credit Card Hotline: 0500 858885
David Cross, CAFOD Diocesan Manager