By Laura Trevelyan | 3 June 2011
To view the gallery full-screen, simply press play and then select the enlarge button on the bottom right. To show the captions, select 'Show info' on the top right. Photos: Tom Weller
This Christian Aid Week saw thousands of supporters knocking on doors to raise money (thank you!).
At the same time, there were also meetings across the country where supporters presented their MPs with bags of partner-produced fair-trade coffee alongside questions on climate change and tax.
The meetings provided a chance for supporters to explain what they were doing for the Week, and urge their MPs to take action.
One such supporter is Hugh Brocklebank. He was able to engage in a challenging discussion about climate change with his MP, who just happens to be secretary of state for international development, Andrew Mitchell.
Speaking after the event, Hugh said: 'As local constituents we were pleased to be able to meet Andrew Mitchell and inform him of the important work that Christian Aid carries out in alleviating poverty in developing countries with much support provided by local churches.'
Elsewhere, school pupils from Hall Green Infant School boarded the Big Green Bus to play ‘jumping bean’, learn about water and think for themselves about development.
After all the fun and games they provided challenging questions on the environment to their MP, Roger Godsiff.
The strength of these meetings was the chance to mix fundraising and campaigning to make clear to the dual nature of Christian Aid’s work.
A world free of poverty will not be created by fundraising alone, nor will it be created by lobbying alone, it is the special blend that makes Christian Aid so positive a force.
Take action!
Act now! Call on David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Nicolas Sarkozy to end tax haven secrecy at this year’s G20.
