A Magheralin couple, celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, by raising money for Tearfund – helping those in extreme poverty.
Alan and Pauline Wilson celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on October 20 and they wanted to find a way to use the big occasion to benefit people in need.
“We decided to have a small party at Edenmore Golf Club with some friends and family, representing our 40 years of marriage and going all the way back to the organist from our wedding!” said Pauline, who works as a counsellor and retreat facilitator.
Her husband, Alan, an author and teacher, added: “After 40 years of marriage, we didn’t need any gifts, but realised that our friends and family might still want to mark the occasion. We suggested donating to Tearfund as a meaningful way to do that.”
The grandparents of five set a target of £500, which was quickly met, so they increased it to £1,000, which has just been achieved.
The couple added: “One of the great things about giving to Tearfund’s Christmas Appeal is that donations are doubled by SPAR, EUROSPAR, and ViVO, so they have double the impact.
“But also, their projects are run through local churches all around the world, meaning they are sustainable and able to address the practical, social, and spiritual needs of their communities.”
Break the Cycle of Poverty, the new festive appeal from Tearfund in partnership with SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores across Northern Ireland, will aim to raise £350,000 through shopper donations this year.
The retailer will match every £1 raised by shoppers, meaning an incredible £700,000 could go towards people living in extreme poverty around the world, like Malich and her family.
Malich’s family live in northern Kenya, in a community where, traditionally, they relied on livestock farming to survive.
Constant cycles of droughts and floods mean that is no longer possible. Malich must search for water or rely on water trucks to refill tanks which they eke out, little by little. Her family also survives on little more than wild fruit to eat.
Chris Thompson, Tearfund’s Director in Northern Ireland, says it’s often women that bear the brunt of this.
“Women like Malich are walking tens of kilometers in search of jerry cans of water and fruit to pick, which leaves them vulnerable to attacks while they seek to keep their families alive.
“Tearfund exists to empower individuals like Malich, and the communities they live in, to break the cycle and lift themselves out of extreme poverty. We’ve been working in communities in this area of Kenya for three years enabled by our supporters’ generosity. Our partners have also been supporting drought recovery through a resilience-building project, helping people explore viable alternative livelihoods, such as crop and chicken farming.”
Mr Thompson concluded: “Around the world, we see the impact that donations have on the most vulnerable. A huge thank you to Alan and Pauline, as well as to all across NI who will donate to help families thrive and break the cycle of poverty for good.”
Break the Cycle of Poverty is now live, with donation boxes in SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO and ViVOXTRA stores throughout Northern Ireland, running until 31st January 2025. Shoppers can also donate online and find out more via tearfund.org/spar.
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