In war-torn Ukraine, Maria is just one of 6 million people who have had to flee their homes. Many are now living in derelict or bomb-damaged houses - often without windows, roofs, heating or means of cooking. With temperatures dropping as low as -20°C, Maria, like any mother, became scared for her four children.
Our Church partners are making vital repairs and providing firewood to keep out the winter cold. Maria described their help as a "lifeline" for her family.
Your parish's support this Advent will help us to continue providing urgent support to families fleeing conflict in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and across the world.
5 ways your parish can get involved this Advent
1. World Gifts - Share our wonderful range of World Gifts by handing out catalogues after Mass and putting a notice in the newsletter.
2. NEW! World Gifts for parishes - Fundraise together as a parish and see the difference that your support can make.
3. Carols for CAFOD! - Download our carol sheet or order copies online.
4. Christmas fun runs - Join us in London, Liverpool, Bollington or online - or organise one in your own community!
5. Hold a festive fundraiser - Whatever you do, your support this Advent will make a huge difference.
Jubilee 2025: Year of Hope
This Advent marks the start of the Jubilee Year of Hope when we will be joining with Pope Francis and the whole Church in praying for peace and justice for our world.
To celebrate the Year of Hope, CAFOD has commissioned an icon from Ethiopian artist Mulugeta ArayaIf, who studied at a college supported by CAFOD. The icon interprets Jesus' teaching in the Synagogue from Luke's Gospel.
Read more about the Jubilee icon
Download our Jubilee poster to share the icon with your parish
Contactless for CAFOD
Make donating as easy as tapping a card by signing up for a contactless account with CAFOD. Order a card reader device now or give it a try first with the new 'Tap to Pay' function. You can be set up in minutes and start collecting donations straight away using just your phone!
Find out more by visiting our contactless webpage or get in touch with us at contactless@cafod.org.uk for additional questions and support.
Other ways your parish can get involved
Simple community lunch
Come together as a parish community. Share a simple lunch and raise vital funds for communities living in poverty around the world.
O Run all Ye Faithful!
Join us in person at one of our festive fun runs in London, Liverpool or Bollington - or virtually from wherever you are!
Fundraise for a World Gift
Join together with your family or parish to fundraise for a World Gift and help to transform the lives of families experiencing poverty.
Our A-Z of fundraising ideas
Our fundraising ideas include fun and quirky ways to raise money and can be done online, at home, with family and friends, or on your own.
Fundraising tools and advice
CAFOD online shop
Visit our online shop to order fundraising resources like posters, collection boxes and lanyards.
Sponsorship form
Download your form, complete your event and raise those funds for CAFOD!
How to fundraise for us
Follow our handy step-by-step guidance for planning, promoting and hosting your fundraising event.
How to pay in your fundraising
Advice on how to send us the donations you worked so hard to raise using our website, or by post, phone or bank transfer.