A British charity providing spiritual and physical care to some of the most deprived communities on earth has successfully achieved its goal of raising £30,000 during the month of June.
The “Mission Maker Month” held by Mission Direct saw supporters up and down the country contribute via sponsored walks, cake sales and other fundraising events.
One enterprising supporter of the charity, Paul Holbrook, who is also the Chair, not only challenged 30 people to donate £2 for every goal England and Scotland score at the World Cup but pledged to match their donation.
Throughout the tournament Scotland scored one goal before being eliminated, while England have scored 11 and, at the time of writing, remain in the competition.
"Scotland gave it their all, and now it's over to England to keep finding the back of the net,” Holbrook said, “Every goal still means more support for children and communities who need it."
Mission Direct was founded in 2004 by Nigel Hyde, Lawrence Jones, Tim Martindale and Ronnie Fleming. Hyde was first inspired to set up the organisation following an encounter in 1997.
“Standing outside an ancient church on Mokattam Mountain in Egypt, my eyes were transfixed by an old lady rummaging through manure. She wanted something to eat or sell ... anything to help her survive. I sensed God calling me to dedicate my life to people like her."
Hyde left the organisation in 2014 to set up a new charity in Sierra Leone. Today Mission Direct is active in seven countries.
Wil Horwood, the current Chief Executive of Mission Direct, thanked all who had contributed to the successful fundraising campaign.
“Mission Maker Month has shown what's possible when a community comes together. Every fundraiser was different, but every one of them mattered.
"It's easy to think one small act won't make a difference, but this campaign has proved the opposite.
"Hundreds of small acts of generosity have combined to create opportunities that will change lives for years to come.”
