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Barbara's Giving it Up for Charity

It is coming up to that time of year again when Barbara Walmsley, from High Road, is starting to feel VERY DAUNTED. Why? Well, last year she helped raise £6,633-33p to support Oxfam's Partners overseas with food, medicine and a real chance to be independent and get themselves out of the poverty trap. The difference that money made is difficult for us in the West to comprehend. For some it means the difference between life and death.

This year the "Give It Up" campaign, for Barbara, is the 15th year she has done it. For the 15th time she will be on her stool outside Sainsbury's for three days, (november 10th, 11th and 12th), knocking back her hot water and hoping to fill her tins as never before. She fasts for 36 hours and collects for 30 hours.

This year the proceeds from the "Give It Up" campaign are going to the Kititomo Centre in Tanzania for street children. It is not unusual for children as young as 5 or 6 years old to be fighting for survival on the streets, perhaps earning 5p a day doing odd jobs, hardly enough to buy adequate food. Often they go hungry.

The Centre, funded by Oxfam, provides shelter, food, an education and training, so they are able to make a decent living when they leave at 18. There is an intense desire for education among the children and for most it is the first time they experience love and care. There are many more waiting to be rescued and for them live is bleak indeed.

If you would like to donate something phone Barbara on 01628 522255 or fax 01628 521318 or E-Mail: bgwalmsley@netscape.net. Alternatively visit her outside Sainsbury's between the 10th and 12th of November.

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