Hope and inspiration sparked by St Columba's

SCIAF Community Engagement Officer Michael Hamilton reflects on the inspirational work of the parishioners at St Columba's.

Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting the St Columba’s One World Group who have been organising fundraising for the parish in Viewpark to change lives through SCIAF.

In the past year, the group have taken steps to inform the wider parish of the work SCIAF does, the Water for a Village Real Gift and how great an impact this can have for our sisters and brothers across the world.

My takeaway from the time I spent with the group and Fr Bogan, Parish Priest at St Columba’s, was one of inspiration. I spend time with parish communities across the country and never cease to be amazed by the efforts of individuals who want to make a change in the world. SCIAF, is not just a charity, it is a way for our community to reach out and help those in some of the most difficult places.

There was that recognition from the group too: “SCIAF is ours – it’s us”.

I can’t agree more. We exist to serve the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. But this can only be achieved thanks to the efforts of thousands of individuals across Scotland and groups like this who put their faith into action by organising and making change happen.

Thank you to all at St Columba’s for their time, effort and faith in raising the funds for these donations to provide water, which will change lives. Thank you also for continuing to raise awareness of the issues facing people across the world – that clean and safe water is a basic necessity which we all should have, yet millions don’t. Your kindness and generosity is a beacon of hope and your charity has a great impact on people you may never meet. Thank you.