Wellington Presbyterian Church, Ballymena have organised their 2017 Mid-Antrim Tearfund Sponsored Walk. Once again it will take place at Shane’s Castle grounds in Antrim on Friday, 19th May 2017 from 10:00am.
Wellington church spokesperson, Gareth Williams, explained why this yearly trek is so important.
“We hope to raise £20,000 to help children who have fled the war in Syria. In Lebanon, more than one in four people are refugees. Over 90% of children have high levels of trauma from horrific things they have experienced first-hand.”
“The crisis in Syria and the upheaval of moving to a strange country have caused many Syrian refugee children to miss months, and even years, of school. Many have forgotten how to read and write. There is a disturbing prevalence of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect since the onset of the crisis. This Tearfund project is providing children with literacy and numeracy classes, along with counselling and developmental support.”
God willing, participants in the walk will be able to match last year’s 20k total, which went towards famine relief in Chad, Africa. Recalling this, Gareth went on to say: “We want to say a big thank you for all that you did, especially seeing the massive need in Africa at the present time.”
“Three of us from Ballymena visited a church in Lebanon before Christmas. We met some of those who have fled Syria, leaving behind their homes and belongings. The group were encouraged by the work being done among the refugee children. We believe that the Tearfund project will make a huge difference to the prospects of some deprived and traumatised children. For more information click on this link.”
The 2017 Mid-Antrim Tearfund Sponsored Walk kicks off at Shane’s Castle from 10:00am on Friday, 19th May with a barbeque from lunchtime.
Gareth concluded by saying: “Sponsorship cards are available. Please get in touch if you need cards or more information. We look forward to seeing you there because without you our plans would amount to little.”
To find out more about the Wellington Church sponsored walk for Tearfund contact Gareth and Carol Williams. You can do this by phone on 028 2565 6468 or via email to garethcarol.williams@btopenworld.com.
