A powerful history
Originally, Christian Aid Week began in 1957 in the UK with a small act of generosity, raising £26,000/€30,420 in its first year. That single week in May sparked a national movement that became central to Christian Aid’s mission.
Decades later, the purpose of Christian Aid Week remains the same – to mobilise the Christian community to take action against poverty and injustice.
Christian Aid Week has a rich legacy that has raised millions of pounds/euros to support life-changing work in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
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Stronger together
For 69 years, churches have been the beating heart of Christian Aid Week. From organising door-to-door collections to hosting cream teas, sponsored walks and prayer services, churches across the UK and Ireland have put their faith in action.
Their dedication has raised millions, fuelled campaigns against poverty and injustice and created spaces for communities to come together in hope.
With the support of churches, communities and locally led partners, Christian Aid Week continues to help vulnerable people respond to crisis and build resilience.
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Zimbabwe: Fighting hunger amid droughts
In 2022, Christian Aid Week stood with families in Zimbabwe struggling under relentless drought.
Women like Jessica, who rely on farming to feed their children, often went hungry themselves.
Through support and training, your support helped communities learn ways to grow food despite extreme weather, showing that even in crisis, resilience and hope can flourish.
Malawi: Growing stability from hardship
In 2023, we turned our attention turned to Malawi, where rising costs and climate disasters pushed farmers into deeper hardship.
Devastated by floods and droughts, families couldn’t afford food or school fees, forcing children to abandon their education.
The Big Pea Challenge encouraged supporters to help farmers like Jen Bishop grow drought-resistant pigeon peas, so they could earn an income and secure their children’s future.
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Burundi: Rebuilding lives and futures
In 2024, Christian Aid Week focused on Burundi, sharing Aline’s story.
After escaping an abusive marriage, she was left homeless and separated from her six children, struggling to survive.
With support from Christian Aid-funded training, she learned to run a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), transforming her life and creating a steady income. VSLAs continue to empower communities, giving people the tools to save, invest, and rebuild.
Guatemala: Farming for a sustainable future
In 2025, Christian Aid Week highlighted the plight of communities in Guatemala battling climate change and industrial agriculture.
Your support empowered farmers like Aurelia who are leading the way with sustainable techniques that protect their land and livelihoods.
With support from Christian Aid and partners like Congcoop, local communities are learning to secure their future.
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Christian Aid Week today
Today, fundraising is more community-led, empowering all our supporters to connect, collaborate and see the real impact of what they raise.
Christian Aid Week is about more than just donations – it’s about people coming together to act.
With new digital platforms and more easy-to-use resources, it’s never been easier to get involved and help create lasting change.
While our fundraising might have evolved since 1957, the heart of Christian Aid Week remains the same: taking collective action that transforms lives.
Why Christian Aid Week matters
As the world faces escalating crises — from climate change to conflict and deepening inequality — Christian Aid Week matters more than ever.
The funds raised in this week drive urgent action and lasting solutions for the future, helping communities build lives of dignity and resilience.
When you support Christian Aid Week, you’re not just responding to today’s needs, you’re helping to shape a fairer, more sustainable world. Every gift counts and every action makes a difference.
Be part of history!