Mary Campbell, a parishioner of Ballymena Parish (Kilconriola and Ballyclug) decided that instead of running 70 km this Christian Aid Week, she would ‘run up’ 70,000 stitches, by knitting five little baby jumpers.
But she didn’t stop at five. Altogether, she knitted 45 of the little garments which were brought out to Cambodia by the staff and Sixth Form pupils of Breda Academy in Belfast where they were donated to low-income families.
While most people of Mary’s age are enjoying their retirement, this youthful 79-year-old is still working part-time, travelling three days a week from her home in Ballymena to Breda Academy where she helps newcomer children to improve their English.
Mary even shared a ‘purl’ of wisdom: “I believe that 70k in May is the new version of house-to-house. Just as house-to-house collections enable people from the wider community – outside the churches – to contribute funds for Christian Aid’s work, 70k in May does the same. I want to thank my family and friends and the staff of Breda Academy for sponsoring me so generously.”
Praising Mary’s endeavours, a Christian Aid spokesperson told The Church Page: “We are ‘sew’ grateful to Mary for raising this money for our work and to everyone who dug deep to donate.
We also want to thank the good people of Ballymena Parish who held a church collection and two lunches which raised more than £1,500 for this year’s Christian Aid Week appeal. Mary’s knitting challenge and the parish fundraising brought the church’s total this year to more than £3,000 and ‘needles’ to say, we are absolutely delighted.”
You can find out more about the work of Christian Aid Ireland on their Facebook page.