THANKS to your coverage concerning Christian Aid week and the kindness of passers-by, the street collection during the morning of May 15 raised £194.38.

That same week, in Fairplace Church, Martin John Nichols (Christian Aid, Devon and Dorset) had told us about the work going on in the poorer countries. Each coin put towards the collection can help to change the world.

For example, he explained how an eleven-year-old girl called Angelique and her classmates needed books in order to learn. Instead of relying on ?cold charity? Angelique asked for some pennies, went to market ten miles away, bought two rabbits and went on to breed more of them. Other pupils followed suit and soon, with money gained through the sale of the rabbits, the school was able to get the books which they all so badly needed.

There were a few pointed questions at the meeting. For example: what proportion of the money gets to where it is needed? Answer ? all but 2%.

How do we know that the money gets through? answer: Christian Aid works in partnership with those on the ground and ?by-passes? government.

Forty denominations own and run Christian Aid. There is still time for those who would like to make a donation to do so. Each church has a number of red gift envelopes available. Ring 01837 52353 for further details.

V A Cushing

21 Tors Road

Okehampton