Local families walk in support of the Children of Bethlehem
Christmas torch light walk on 24th December 2010, 5pm starts at St Mary’s Church in Chapel Street Penzance
As we celebrate Christmas in peace and security spare a thought for those who are less fortunate. While we enjoy Christmas fare many children in Bethlehem are malnourished and suffering as a direct result of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This conflict has created disastrous living conditions in Bethlehem, poverty is everywhere in the West Bank and hygiene levels are low. Many children are malnourished and permanent water shortage exacerbates the situation.
Locally based charity Children’s Relief Bethlehem UK invites everyone to join them on a torch light walk around Penzance to raise awareness of the plight faced by the many children who live in Bethlehem today. “These children are victims of conflict poverty and disease” said Angus Meiklejohn, Trustee of the charity.
To ensure basic medical care for all children, Children’s Relief Bethlehem finances and manages the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. The hospital has 82 beds and each year, treats over 30,000 children from the West Bank, Bethlehem and the surrounding area, regardless of nationality or creed.
On Christmas Eve, starting at 5pm from St Mary’s church, Chapel Street, local families will take part in a half hour torchlight walk of witness through Penzance, to shine a light on behalf of the troubled children of Bethlehem. “The walk is aimed at raising awareness of the work of Caritas Baby Hospital, which is totally funded by the kind support and donations of people just like you” explains Angus Meiklejohn. “If you can spare a little of your time this Christmas to reflect on the plight of some of the most traumatised children in the world, please join us and show your solidarity with the children of Bethlehem” continues Angus Meiklejohn.
To find out more and how you can help please visit our website www.childrens-relief-bethlehem.org.uk where you can also watch a short documentary showing the valuable work being done in Bethlehem. To contact Angus email him at angus.meiklejohn@crb-mail.org.uk or telephone 0844 22 50 300.
