Spreading Comfort and Joy – Durham Cathedral

17th November 2020

Durham Cathedral has teamed up with County Durham Community Foundation to bring comfort and joy to those more vulnerable this year with a joint Christmas card appeal.

Comfort and Joy Christmas 2020 Appeal – Durham Cathedral

It is asking people to donate as little as £7 or £10 to send a specially-designed Christmas card to a stranger or a loved one who may be feeling more isolated than usual.

Proceeds of the appeal will be shared between the two organisations, enabling them to continue supporting people across the region during the pandemic and beyond.

The cards will be delivered by six local charities already making a difference in their communities by caring for at-risk and isolated people in the North East, including low-income families, the homeless, and those with mental health conditions. They include PACT House, Women Today NE, Faith in Our Communities, Lifeline Community Action, Handcrafted Projects, and Just for Women.

Michelle Cooper, CEO of the Community Foundation, said:
“This year has been hard on people; especially those close to the breadline, so we want to bring a moment of happiness to someone who might benefit from a reminder that people really do care. Funds raised for the Foundation will go towards our Covid-19 Recovery Fund – helping communities to rebuild in the months ahead. It’s wonderful to be doing all of this in conjunction with Durham’s biggest heritage building – which symbolises hope for so many people.”

Gaye Kirby, Head of Development and Strategy at the Cathedral, said:
“We have hugely admired the work of County Durham Community Foundation during the current pandemic and are delighted to be joining together with them for our ‘Comfort and Joy’ Christmas appeal. At a time when we are less able to be together in person, finding ways to stay connected and reach out to those who may be more isolated is so important. Donating to the appeal will not only support both the Cathedral and the Foundation, it will also make a valuable connection with those most vulnerable in our region.”

For more information or to make a donation to the ‘Comfort and Joy’ appeal, visit their website by clicking here.