Pamela Gray is one of Christian Aid Ireland’s most committed supporters.
A spokesperson for the organisation wrote to us to explain why.
“For 11 years Pamela has been our organiser in Ballyclare, County Antrim where she coordinates the fundraising efforts of ten local churches, which together have raised almost £90,000 for the work of Christian Aid.
“It’s because of people like Pamela that we think Ballyclare should be re-named Bally-care.
Pamela, who is a part-time music teacher, also organises carol singing each Christmas at Belfast International Airport and Coleman’s Garden Centre Templepatrick, bringing in almost £8,000 to support our projects overseas.
“Some years ago, Pamela visited our projects in Zimbabwe to see for herself the impact of her fundraising.
Pamela tells us that she was inspired to support Christian Aid when, while living in Bristol, she joined Redland Park United Reform Church whose congregation has been supporting our work over many years. It’s a church dear to Pamela’s heart and the place where she and her husband Paul were married in 1975.
“Although she will continue with the carol singing each Christmas, Pamela is stepping down from her role as Ballyclare organiser. To mark her ‘retirement’ from her voluntary post, we presented her with some flowers against this beautiful backdrop at Chocoa cafe in Ballymena.
“Many thanks to Pamela for her extraordinary commitment to the work of bringing hope to people living in poverty and crisis around the world. Pamela, we think you’re bloomin’ marvellous.”
PS. The ten churches in Ballyclare that support Christian Aid are: Ballyclare Methodist Church, Ballyclare Non-Subscribing Old Presbyterian Church, Ballyclare Presbyterian Church, St John’s Church of Ireland, Ballyclare, Christ Church Church of Ireland, Ballynure, Ballynure Methodist Church, Ballynure Presbyterian Church, First Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church, Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church, Ballylinney Presbyterian Church.
Find out more about what Christian Aid Ireland are doing to fight global poverty on their website.