Have a Tea Break for Charity!

In hard pressed economic times charities can be the first to suffer the effects of general belt-tightening.  Perhaps this is not quite so true of christian charities as of others.  We certainly had good support back in July when we donated a proportion of sales to Caring for Life.  Also at the moment we are seeing great interest in the charity cards within our Christmas card range (proceeds to the Savannah Education Trust this year).  However non-christian charities do not often retain the loyalty of the public to the same degree, and so are going to be under tremendous pressure - in fact fighting each other for 'market share' in people's giving.  This is a tragic reality.  Perhaps I am going to make a bad thing worse, but I will be fundraising for the sake of an unsung cause next Friday (21st October).  Epilepsy Action have designated this day as 'National Tea Break' - have a cuppa, a chat and give what you can.  They are the UK's largest epilepsy charity, but you may well not have heard of it, because epilepsy doesn't receive the same attention as most other medical problems.  But although it isn't some killer disease, it is a life changing condition.  I know because I have it.  God has wonderfully overruled it for good in my life, but it is and has been a great trial to me and my family.  Statistics are that 1 in every 103 people in the UK have some form of epilepsy.  Now, many mysteries remain in the understanding of it medically, so more money for brain research is required.  But equally, basic things like enabling sufferers to cope, training specialist 'Sapphire' nurses, and greater public awareness are all needed as well.  Epilepsy Action's current campaign is about educating people as to what to do to help in the event of coming across someone having a seizure.  So I will be in my workplace on the day next week, making tea for all who come in the bookshop to donate.  Lorna is providing cakes - an even bigger draw I'm sure!  In addition, 10% of the day's takings will be given to Epilepsy Action, and this includes mail order.  So prepare your wants lists, contact us, and support a worthy cause at the same time.  And if I can find such a thing as a virtual cup of tea, I'll happily pour you one!

Jeremy