St Mary’s Charities for 2026

Giving with Purpose – Supporting Our Wider Community

Each year, St Mary’s Church selects a number of charities to support through prayer, fundraising, and awareness-raising. This is part of our ongoing commitment to care for both our local parish in Old Basing and Lychpit and those in need further afield.

For 2026, we are proud to support the following charities:

May – August inclusive

CHRISTIAN AID www.christianaid.org.uk

Supporting Christian Aid which exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty

CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY (CAP) www.capuk.org

Poverty is so much more than going without. Poverty destroys lives. It robs people of joy, hope, and opportunities. It tears families apart, isolates those most in need of support, and leads many to believe there is no way out. CAP believes everyone should experience equal dignity, freedom and opportunity

RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) www.rnli.org

Saving lives at sea, the RNLI provides 24-hour rescue services around the UK and Ireland’s coasts. Entirely funded by donations, they rely on public support and brave volunteers. We support their vital work and pray for all who risk their lives to protect others.

MEDICINS SANS FRONTIERES www.msf.org.uk

Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) operates in more than 70 countries to deliver medical aid to people experiencing humanitarian and healthcare crises.

Sept – December inclusive

BASINGSTOKE FOODBANK www.basingstoke.foodbank.org.uk

Providing emergency food and support to people in crisis, Basingstoke Foodbank serves individuals and families across our local area. We are proud of our ongoing partnership, with donation points at the church and regular collections throughout the year.

HELPING DOGS & CATS UK www.helpingdogsandcatsuk.org

Based in Basingstoke, this dedicated animal rescue charity works tirelessly to rehome and care for abandoned pets. St Mary’s supports their efforts through pet food donations and now through prayer and fundraising. We believe in showing compassion to all of God’s creatures.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION www.britishlegion.org.uk.

The Royal British Legion works hard to support the most vulnerable in our society, be it older veterans that they care for, those who suffer from social isolation, or those who are simply overwhelmed by the challenges associated with the cost-of-living crisis.

THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY www.childrenssociety.org.uk

A national Christian charity that fights child poverty and supports young people facing abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Each year, we join thousands of churches across the country in supporting this valuable charity.

Throughout the year, we will hold special collections, themed events, and opportunities to learn more about each of these wonderful causes. Your kindness—whether through giving, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness—makes a lasting impact.

Together, we reflect Christ’s love in action by standing with those in need, near and far.

Please check the weekly bulletin, church noticeboard, and website for updates and ways to get involved