Saintfield sit-out in aid of charity

Saintfield sit-out in aid of charity

7 December 2016

SAINTFIELD Parish Church has raised almost £2,000 to help Syrian refugees after holding a 16-hour sit-out on the town’s Main Street.

Parishioners said they wanted to draw attention to the lives of the destitute who have no choice but to be outside.

It is the sixth year the church has carried out a sit out and on this occasion Save the Children was the chosen charity due to its work in Syria.

Speaking on Friday morning, the Rev Chris Pollock, vicar, said there had already been a huge response to the appeal, which started at 8am and ended at 12 midnight.

“As well as raising money we want to raise awareness of Syria,” he said.

“There is any number of situations out there but with the media attention on Syria, people seem to be talking about it all the time.

“All the things we take for granted, they do not have. Hopefully the generosity of people will be maximised. People have been asking questions about Syria and wanting to know more information about Save the Children, there has been great community support.

“We decided to coincide with the street fair this year in Saintfield. It is going to be dry and cloudy this year but not too cold.”

Among those taking part was parishioner William Drury.

“This is our sixth year. and we’ve been out in the cold and the snow and everything else,” he said. “People have been so generous.

“It is dreadful what you see on TV with Syria and it is about trying to keep the awareness up.”

Parishioner Ian Gordon added: “It is a really small thing to do but if we can raise money to help a few kids in Syria it is worth it. We always have fun here too and a bit of craic with everyone passing.”

The total raised by Saintfield Parish Church currently stands at £1,800.