Young People in Algarve Fast for Peru

Members of St Vincent's Youth Group. Photo courtesy of USPG: Anglicans in World Mission

USPG: Anglicans in World Mission, in its recent newsletter, has reported on an initiative of the youth of one of our parishes, St Vincent's, Algarve, Portugal:

The youth group at St Vincent’s Church, in Praia da Luz, in Portugal – part of the Anglican Diocese of Europe – completed a 30-hour fast to raise funds for USPG Project 466: Protecting Children’s Rights, which looks after the welfare of children in Peru. Fourteen young people, aged 11 to 15, took part in the fast, with only water, fruit juice and energy drinks to keep them going. The young people kept themselves occupied by helping in an orphanage, collecting food for the homeless, holding a fashion show with charity clothes, watching films, decorating T-shirts, swimming, playing games and singing songs. Lily Shelton, aged 13, reported: ‘It was for a very good cause. Many of us said we could have fasted for longer.’

The young people raised around £1,300 for a USPG supported programme run by the Diocese of Peru’s Child and Adolescent Team. The programme tackles child abuse and supports family welfare. Other church-goers are also fundraising, including Kerry Burr who is requesting donations for Peru as alternative 40th birthday gifts.

Taking part in the fast, Emily Price, 15, said: ‘We know we haven’t solved the world’s problems, but we also know that, in a tiny way, we have made a difference.
The Archdeaconry of Gibraltar has a partnership with the Diocese of Peru. Well done, St Vincent's Youth, for your work to support our partner diocese!

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