Thousands of volunteers across the country have been involved in raising funds and awareness for the annual Christian Aid Week (10-16 May), the UK’s longest running fundraising week, investing in global justice and anti-poverty action.

Glasgow Cathedral will host a major Christian Aid Week service on Sunday 17 May 2009. Dr Daleep Mukarji, director of the British-based international NGO, will preach. The service will include stories and prayers for justice for the world’s poor.

Roger Gayler, a 65-year-old vicar of St Mark’s Church at Mark's Gate in Barking and Dagenham is to preach, meet the scouts, speak to schoolchildren, study with his Bishop and collect envelopes door-to-door with just half a beard – for Christian Aid week.

Daleep Mukarji, director of international development agency Christian Aid, says that the UK government needs to do more to help charities working in economically poorer countries during the present financial crisis.

Three hundred thousand volunteers will be pounding pavements this week distributing thirteen million red envelopes for Christian Aid Week, which starts next Sunday (May 10- 16).

Eastenders star Kara Tointon is helping put the fun into fundraising by backing this year’s nationwide Quizaid during Christian Aid Week (10 – 16 May 2009), which aims to raise vital funds for the world’s poorest communities.