Chucking the chocolates, bottling the booze and stubbing out cigarettes are some of the things we aim to give up over 40 days of Lent. As the official start of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (17th February), we are sending out a rallying call to millions of people in England and Wales to 'give it up!’
Our fundraiser, 'give it up!' is asking people to give up something they enjoy, and to donate the money saved to our work transforming the lives of people in the developing world.
X-Factor host and life-long CAFOD supporter, Dermot O'leary is backing the 'give it up!' fundraiser, saying;
"It's so easy to get involved in 'give it up!' - Just think of something you can live without - your morning Latte, evening pint or weekly magazine and think of the massive difference you could make to someone else's life."
This year we celebrate 50 years of Lent Fast Day, during this time the generosity of CAFOD supporters has raised over £65million to fund healthcare, education, and justice projects, transforming the ordinary lives of people working their way out of poverty in the developing world and those fighting for justice.
CAFOD's Head of Community Fundraising Sophie Stanes says: "The money raised from CAFOD Lent Fast Day has transformed the lives of millions of people living in poor communities from Bolivia to Bangladesh, Nigeria to Nicaragua. Despite CAFOD's achievements to date, we have a lot further to go. This Lent Fast Day the message is very simple: 'give it up!'
"Traditionally people give up sweets, chocolate, or biscuits, but you can give up anything! We hope that 'give it up! Will inspire and motivate people across the country to bring about a more just world."
For further information please contact Nana Anto-Awuakye on: Mobile: 07799 477 541 or Tel: 020 7095-5560 or email:
nanto-awuakye@cafod.org.uk or
nantoawuakye@yahoo.com