Kilkenny parishioners raise thousands through creative charity activities

Parishioners across Kilkenny Union have raised €1,600 for Christian Aid, with a series of creative and crafty fundraising activities throughout the year, led by local volunteer Hazel Dickinson.

As Christian Aid’s representative for Kilkenny Union, Hazel coordinates the fundraising efforts of four Church of Ireland congregations: St John’s - the church she belongs to - as well as Kilmanagh, Freshford and St Canice’s Cathedral.

Among the most successful initiatives has been Hazel’s production and sale of homemade jams, marmalades and chutneys. She paid tribute to friends, neighbours and fellow parishioners who generously donated the fruit, sugar and jars she needed - as their contribution towards the fundraising effort.

Hazel also came up with a clever way to involve younger members of the church community. Children within the parish were given tubes of Smarties and encouraged to fill the empty containers with spare coins.

Once full, the tubes were returned as donations to Christian Aid. Meanwhile, adult parishioners filled Christian Aid coin boxes, collecting loose change to boost the fundraising total.

Hazel’s fundraising success was made possible by the talents and generosity of a number of other parishioners. Hazel made special mention of Heather Sherman, Mary Bergin and Joy Bibby whose hand-knitted craft items, such as chicks and egg cosies, were sold to raise funds while Joy also made a delicious elderflower cordial to bring in even more money.

Hazel also thanked Heidi Good who supplied many of the chocolate eggs that fit inside the knitted chicks at Easter time.

Hazel said the achievement reflects the generosity of the entire church community: “The parishioners are incredibly generous and supportive. All I do is provide a pathway for them to give.”

Christian Aid has thanked Hazel and everyone across Kilkenny Union for their work to raise vital funds to support communities around the world facing poverty, injustice and the impacts of the climate crisis.

Christian Aid Ireland Chief Executive Rosamond Bennett said: “We are incredibly grateful to Hazel, Heather, Mary, Joy and Heidi for the love and generosity they have shown. Kind-hearted people like these are making a difference in the lives of people experiencing poverty and conflict around the world.”

“We are grateful to all the parishioners of Kilkenny Union and to everyone who supported this fundraising effort with their donations.”

To support the work of Christian Aid Ireland, visit caid.ie/donate.