7th July 2017

Delight in Diocese as Archbishop's charity hits £1m in grants

The Lead Officer for Social Responsibility for The Church of England in Lancashire has welcomed the news this week that the Archbishop of York’s national online giving charity, Acts 435, has now awarded £1m of grants.

Acts 435 is supported by our Diocese and awards grants for specific items to lift burdens or to provide help in a crisis for people living in poverty in the UK. Anyone can get involved via the charity’s website www.acts435.org.uk

Rev Canon Ed Saville, who lives near Burnley, said today: “This is a really worthwhile charity which can make a big difference in a small way. Since the Diocese started to support Acts 435 in 2012 we have raised, and given away, nearly £3,000 locally here in Lancashire.

“We have helped pay for beds, and clothes; for transport and urgent building repairs, and even a dementia clock. After the floods in December 2016 we were able to help those in desperate need to replace some of their white goods.

“Whilst the amount offered is limited to £120 the small amounts have a large impact; and donors can give as much or a little as they want. Even £5 can help to make that difference. So I would encourage our parishes to join in if they haven’t already; find those in need and also becoming advocates for Acts 435 themselves.”

Acts 435 guarantees that 100% of donor funds go directly to the people in need.  It is a fully self-sustaining charity with a very small central function funded entirely by Gift Aid. 

“We are hugely thankful to all who have supported Acts 435 so far,” said the charity’s Executive Director, Jenny Herrera. 

“The grants awarded are made up of lots of individual donations of £5, £10, £50.  We do not get trust funds or corporate sponsorship.  This is person-to-person giving where every donation matters.  Whether £5 or £50, it is making a big difference in people’s lives.”

Ronnie Semley
07/07/2017