From Miss Primrose Peacock

Sir, — I recently received the latest report from Albania Community Assist, one charity for which I have been organising funding for a supply of sewing machines. They provide women in difficult situations with a livelihood. The latest recipients include a destitute family who recently returned from Greece. Both parents were dismissed from low-grade employment. This information was supplemented by comments from an Anglican chaplain in situ.

I then communicated with Canon Malcolm Bradshaw, lead Anglican Chaplain in Athens, asking for further information. This is part of his immediate response.

“The combined wisdom of Apostoli, the central administrative office of the welfare work of the Greek Orthodox Church, is that hunger on the streets of Athens will become more apparent from September. The GOC already has a food distribution system in place. 10,000 meals are given out in Athens alone daily.”

He then comments on the overall position of the Greek population and the extensive issues of migrants and refugees: 31,000 entered Greece in July 2015.

Canon Bradshaw continues: “The Anglican Church in Athens, rather than doing something on its own, has chosen to work with other churches and channel our efforts through Apostoli food programmes. We are already heavily involved in a soup kitchen that prepares 700 meals a day to Greeks and migrants.”

He concludes with references to the diocese in Europe’s participation (via Google), states that appeals for bulk supplies of food are coming from the island bishops, and confirms that Albanians are losing their employment and being forced to leave. Any and all donations from the UK churches will be welcome (but should not be sent piecemeal).

Should we here in the UK not just get together, make a properly planned appeal, and donate 100 per cent of the funds raised to our brethren in Athens?

PRIMROSE PEACOCK
4 Crescent Rise
Truro TR1 3ER