World Vision Afghanistan raising funds for Afghanistan

World Vision Afghanistan's advocacy and policy director, Mark Calder of Carlisle, is preparing for a 24-hour running challenge to raise funds for the charity's flood response in Afghanistan.

The aim is to help rehouse colleagues who lost their homes in the spring floods and ensure more families have shelter for the harsh winter.

The economic crisis in Afghanistan, worsened by climate change, has left 12.4 million people facing food insecurity, with more than half the population in need of humanitarian aid.

Mr Calder said: "On my recent trip to Ghor province, I stood with a World Vision Afghanistan colleague alongside the rubble of his home, destroyed in the unprecedented floods earlier this year.

"His pregnant wife sat inside a tent surrounded by this rubble, and his elderly parents greeted me from another tent.

"I felt compelled to do something.

"I decided I'd myself try to raise enough money to rebuild the homes of my colleagues and support the World Vision Afghanistan floods response."

Mr Calder is calling on supporters to join him (Image: World Vision UK)

The need for secure housing is urgent, with winter approaching.

Mr Calder is calling on supporters to join him in making a difference, by donating the equivalent of a day’s lunch money or a day’s coffee.

He said: "Running for 24 hours is a daunting challenge I've only managed once before, but I invite everyone to be part of this effort.

"If we raise enough to help provide shelter before Afghanistan's brutal winter returns, it will be a real motivation and be a profound expression of solidarity."

World Vision Afghanistan has been supporting Afghan children and their families for more than 20 years, focusing on three western provinces and one northwestern province.

The organisation provides the most vulnerable children with health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, food security and livelihoods, protection and education assistance.

Between October 2022 and September 2023, more than 2.9 million people, including 1.3 million children, participated in World Vision's various interventions in the country.

Mr Calder's run is not just a fundraising effort, but also an invitation for people to join in the effort to rebuild lives in Afghanistan.

Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant impact.

The call to action is clear: join the run, contribute, and help provide the shelter and support needed before the brutal Afghan winter sets in.

Mr Calder said: "Let’s lace up, step forward, and make a difference."

More information about the run and how to donate can be found on World Vision's Just Giving page here.