The Bishop of London is fundraising for the Amos Trust and Street Child World Cup throughout Lent.
Dr Richard Chartres launched the appeal on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral where he was joined by the Reverend Chris Rose, founder of the Street Child World Cup.
Parishes across London have been actively fundraising for the initiative. At St Stephen's and St Thomas' Church, Shepherd's Bush, vicar Reverend Bob Mayo will be running a marathon in Gaza with Reverend Rose in April to raise funds and awareness.
A Big City Sleep will be taking place at Spitalfields Market on 15 March challenging people to spend one night sleeping rough.
The congregation of Christ the Saviour in Ealing will be taking part with children from Christ the Saviour Primary School.
The next Street Child World Cup will coincide with the World Cup in Rio, Brazil, next year. Sixteen teams of street children will come together for the competition in support of millions of street children around the world.
Bishop Chartres said: "I am so glad that we are able to make the Amos Trust and the Street Child World Cup the focus of our Diocesan Lent Appeal for 2013.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference for millions of street children who deserve a future free from fear, neglect and abuse."
