Articles - Miscellaneous

GROWING HOPE APPEAL

The PCC has just approved the Growing Hope Appeal as one of our major charities and as such I thought some information about this Appeal would be of use.

This is an Iona Community based appeal. Many of you will already be familiar with the Iona Community; an ecumenical Christian movement based on Iona, an island off the west coast of Scotland. The Community seeks new ways of living the Gospel through working for peace and social justice.

There are two strands to the Appeal. The Community is seeking: -
a) to improve its welcome to visitors to Iona and the Abbey and to improve the living conditions of the staff and volunteers and
b) to upgrade the facilities at the Camas Centre. Based in old cottages in a remote bay on the Isle of Mull, the Centre has very basic facilities providing accommodation for up to 26 people. There is a 2-mile hike to the nearest road. Natural light, candles and open fires provide light and heat. You will note there is no electricity!

The Centre has provided opportunities for young people from urban areas and disadvantaged backgrounds and has been used by school and youth groups, social work organisations, voluntary groups, young homeless people together with those seeking to overcome addictions.

Camas helps to develop teamwork, enhance self-respect and give young people a sense of value through closeness to nature, outdoor activities, arts and crafts and a simple lifestyle. It can be a life changing experience.

After 40 years of service, the centre now needs updating. Funds are required to carry out basic building work, upgrade the facilities for year round staff use, install a basic sustainable energy supply, make the buildings more accessible to disabled people, increase self sufficiency and offer a year round welcome.

The appeal target is £1,000,000. I understand that approximately £400,000 has been raised to date and work on the Camas project should start next year. I will place some leaflets on the One City One World notice board at the back of church. You will see a photograph of the Camas Centre showing a remote but beautiful place.

Jo Curtis on behalf of the One City One World group

© St Edmund's Church, Roundhay - Charity Number 1131904