From the smallest coin to the largest bank draft, giving is far more than a gesture; it helps to make a measurable difference to the lives of the poorest people around the world.
In its 50th anniversary year, Christian Aid Week in May 2007 was the most successful ever, raising an amazing £14.6 million/€18.4 million.
In 2007/08 overall, we achieved an income of £86.5 million/€109.3 million, with nearly 75% coming directly from the public in Britain and Ireland. More people than ever left legacies to safeguard the future this financial year, donating £9.8 million/€12.4 million.
Major donors – those donating more than £1,000 in one go – were incredibly generous this year, giving £3.3 million/€4.2 million. One anonymous supporter went looking for charities to give to when he wound up a business and decided to give away £1 million of the proceeds. Talking to Christian Aid, he identified projects that matched his concerns and donated £622,000 for work in Ethiopia and on the Thai/Burma border.
We are also grateful to our corporate sponsors, such as Ecotricity, which donates £15 every time a supporter switches to this supplier, and AquAid, which donates 30 pence for every 19-litre bottle of water it sells.
Governments too have given us essential support, to the tune of £17.6 million/€22.2 million in 2007/08. Our board of trustees restricts our income from governments to no more than 30% so that we never compromise our independence.
Colour of money: charting our income
