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Easter eggs under threat
Easter eggs are under threat. We need to protect them now – along with the people who make them. That’s the season’s message from A Rocha UK and its friends in the Climate Coalition.
In a timely blog that features an entertaining video (pictured), they have issued the warning that climate change is reducing the areas suitable for growing cocoa – the basis for chocolate.
But chocolate lovers can protect their treat by joining the Climate Coalition and demanding that world leaders respond to the challenge. Concerned consumers are being called to a day of action on 17th June – when A Rocha UK will also help run two ecumenical services as part of the programme.
People across the planet eat a staggering seven million tonnes of chocolate every year. But the pressure is on the land – and the people who farm it – say campaigners. John Mason of the Nature Conservation Research Council in Ghana, predicted in 2010 that ‘in 20 years chocolate will be like caviar’. It would become so expensive, ‘the average Joe just won’t be able to afford it’.
Foxearth: the dream comes true
A dream has come true for A Rocha UK. The charity now has its own nature reserve – thanks to the overwhelming generosity of its supporters.
A benefactor had offered the 12-acre site Foxearth (pictured) to A Rocha UK at a special rate of £45,000. Such an altruistic gesture seemed to open the floodgates, as many responded to an online prospectus and magazine appeal in November.
When donations poured in for the initial appeal, A Rocha UK’s former CEO Mairi Johnstone said it was one of the best campaigns ever. ‘We’re genuinely humbled by the response – especially against a backdrop of a challenging financial climate,’ she said at the time.
That was closely followed at Christmas by matched funding campaign The Big Give, producing a further £20,000 to pay for a part-time ranger. Now the purchase has been made of this haven for dragonflies and damselflies.
Supporters give £80,000 boost
Despite continuing cash pressures on British households, A Rocha UK supporters have managed to raise around £80,000 for the charity’s ongoing work – as well as backing a special project.
They have given generously in two recent campaigns. They donated £60,000 through The Big Appeal for core funding – in a combination of one-off gifts and increased or new standing orders. They gave a further £20,000 through The Big Give and accompanying magazine appeal for new nature reserve Foxearth.
The Big Appeal saw 30 staff, trustees and volunteers engaging with supporters via phone and email. The Big Give is a matched funding scheme.
‘It’s been humbling to be on the receiving end of such affirmation,’ CEO Mairi Johnstone said of The Big Appeal. ‘I want to thank our supporters for responding so positively. It shows how well they understand the cost of running a national charity.
‘I also want to thank the A Rocha UK team – paid, volunteer and trustees – who committed time to phoning and emailing people, updating our database information as they went along and reporting back so well.’
‘I don’t mind if it rains or freezes’
West Londoners brought some joy amid miserable weather when they gathered for a work party at A Rocha UK’s Wolf Fields scheme – to help transform this wasteland into a community garden.
They were closely followed by landscape gardeners who then finished off much-needed pathways that will lead visitors to all the essential elements of the site.
Despite recent rainstorms, more than a dozen supporters spent over three hours removing large bags of rubbish, cutting back brambles and clearing overgrowth at Wolf Fields.
‘Most local people came well prepared, bringing their own tools as well as food and drink,’ said Community Worker Kailean Khongsai. ‘Lunchtime was amazing. People chatted, shared food and exchanged contact details.
‘It’s encouraging to see so many willing to brave the winter weather and volunteer their time to serve the community,’ he added. One participant said, ‘We’re working for the benefit of our own community, and I don’t mind if it rains or freezes’.
Churches unwrap Advent
Churches across the country have been singing the praises of an online Advent calendar that’s kind on the pocket and the planet.
Congregations from Enfield to the Isle of Man have been sharing news about A Rocha UK’s eco-friendly resource in their own newsletters and magazines – thanks to Parish Pump – the online treasure trove for church magazine editors.
The calendar includes such tips as – how to choose a ‘happy turkey’, recycle Christmas cards, re-use wrapping materials, shop at charity stores and create candles that are kinder to creation. Each online window opens on a practical plan to soothe the seasonal stress on the environment.
Parish Pump had been offering their subscribers extracts from A Rocha UK’s Advent calendar. And an increasing number of church publications have been snapping them up. The resource is available at – http://arocha.org.uk/advent – throughout December. (Photo: Elena Abduramanova/Shutterstock)