Arcaid

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ARCAID AGM 2007

On November 14th 2007 the annual Arcaid AGM was held at St Joan’s Hall. The chairman Andrew Torjussen welcomed everyone to the meeting and summarized the work that Arcaid had achieved this year. On behalf of the committee and those at the meeting he thanked Madeleine Stanford for her work during the seven years she has served as a committee member, the last two as secretary. Angela Sleet has agreed to take over as secretary and Andrew welcomed Frances Thompson who joins the committee as a new member.

Those at the AGM very much enjoyed two presentations both about causes Arcaid has supported this year. Ruth Flanagan spoke about the work done in the Pattaya Orphanage in Thailand, where she worked as a volunteer for 6 months last year. She spoke of her interest in the work there with the street children. Her talk was accompanied by a short DVD presentation which reinforced Ruth’s description of the situation at the orphanage and drop in centre. She thanked Arcaid for their donation which had provided sufficient money to supply the centre, with beds, cooling fans – a motorbike for outreach workers, and a digital camera for security purposes. Arcaid thanked Ruth for taking the time to come down from London and speak to us and gave her a cheque for £500 to further help the work she supports in Pattaya.

Jocelyn and Michael Williams combined a slide show and a talk to give us a better picture of the Tsholofelo (Hope) Community in Phokeng, South Africa. We were able to see photos of the shiny new ‘containers’ that Arcaid had helped them to purchase this year. These are being used at the camp as a school and crèche. Jocelyn’s description of the camp left no one in any doubt about the severity of the poverty, lack of water and high incidence of illness in this camp. Jocelyn and Michael were also presented with a cheque to support their future commitment to this wonderful cause.

Arcaid would like to encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more about Arcaid projects or who would like to become a contributor to contact Arcaid by emailemail.

What is ARCAID?

It is a small, independent overseas aid charity, based in the Catholic Parish of St. Joan of Arc, Farnham, Surrey. It was founded in 1989.

Why do we need ARCAID when there are plenty of other overseas aid charities such as CAFOD?

ARCAID offers a more personal way of giving. It brings the giver closer to the person in need, making that person a 'neighbour' and a particular subject of prayer.

How does ARCAID do this?

By getting to know most of the people to whom it sends aid - missionary and native priests, nuns and lay persons, medical workers etc. - and even by inviting them to visit Farnham, when possible, and speak about their work.

·By finding out exactly what help they need and sending money, or goods such as medicines, specifically to provide that help.

·By keeping in touch with them and telling ARCAID members exactly where their money goes and how it is used.

So where does the money go?

Mostly on small projects, such as wells for clean water, for which ARCAID can find the full cost. This lessens the risk of wasting money on projects left unfinished for lack of funds. ARCAID has sent aid, from a few hundred to several thousand pounds worth to more than 30 poor countries across the world. It also contributes, from time to time, to emergency (eg famine) appeals.

Who takes the decisions?

A committee of trustees elected by the members. Members are also welcome to propose projects. Some make donations on condition that they go to a particular project.

How much of the money goes on expenses?

None. ARCAID'S modest size enables it to absorb all its running costs. Every penny given to ARCAID goes to the poor, except for small amounts in bank charges for transferring money overseas.

How does one join?

Simply by giving, occasionally or regularly, in any amount one chooses. Most people give by banker's order, monthly, quarterly or annually, and most of these make covenants or Gift Aid declarations which enable ARCAID to obtain valuable tax refunds. Charity cheques and Give As You Earn are other tax-efficient methods. Parishioners of St Joan of Arc have the option of giving cash in envelopes placed in the church collecting plate. Click here for donation form which can be printed.

For more information please e-mail any member of the committee. Committee members are:

Andrew Torjussen (Chairman), Mariola Boyd, Peter Davis, Melanie
Feibusch, Tom Murphy, Mary Nolan, Frances Thompson, Ron Potter, Francesca Bois, Angela Sleet.

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