2025 was defined by commitment, innovation, and growth. Here’s how your support has made a difference in a few key words.
Consistency
Once again, we fulfilled all our humanitarian commitments, releasing 100% of the resources and funds budgeted to our partners worldwide, positively impacting thousands of vulnerable children.
This support reached 44 children’s projects across 39 countries: 17 projects in 15 African nations, 12 projects in 10 Asian nations, four projects in four Latin American nations, seven projects in six European nations, and four projects across four nations in the Middle East.
Innovation
Building on the fantastic work of all our charity shops, we opened a new boutique charity shop this year, introducing a concept that offers a different and more curated shopping experience for our customers and supporters. We would love to welcome you to our boutique and all other shops before Christmas, after, and again in the New Year! Do drop by, bring along amazing donations, and share some festive spirit. You can find your local CRY Shop by clicking here.
Here is a short film explaining how your custom in all of our shops is making a difference to the children we serve.
Breaking New Ground
Alongside our ongoing commitments, we launched two new project partnerships in Mauritania and Sri Lanka, extending our support to children in need.
Exposure
Several of our teams, volunteers, Church partners and interns had the opportunity to witness our collaborative work firsthand in Bolivia, Mauritania, Peru, Liberia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Laos and the Philippines, gaining a deeper understanding of the vital impact of our partners’ efforts, thanks partly to our support.
Going the Extra Mile
Beyond our regular support and ongoing impact, we launched several special campaigns that transformed lives. Through initiatives such as our Quarry to School appeal, we rescued 30 children from child labour, giving them access to education, proper support, and nutritious meals. We also helped build a new school in Monrovia, Liberia, provided handmade dolls and medical care for children in Gaza and the West Bank, and gave relief food and supplies to typhoon-affected areas in the Philippines. These and other one-off initiatives have made a tangible difference to the children and communities we serve.
Strengthening Our Foundation
We welcomed three new trustees and additional staff members, and introduced new processes to enhance all aspects of our work, ensuring sustainability and long-term strengthening of our organisation.
Vision
We successfully launched our 10-year vision and hosted a gala dinner, reinforcing our direction and ambition to expand support for children worldwide.
Next Generation
Our inaugural CRY gap year programme concluded successfully, investing in the development of future leaders in charity and society.
Looking Ahead
As we enter 2026, we do so with renewed ambition and a range of exciting projects ahead. Together, we can continue to transform lives and create a lasting impact for children around the world. Thank you for your continued support—2025 has been transformative for countless children because of your generosity. Let us work together to make 2026 even more impactful.
Next Steps
January always brings a new beginning—and a new challenge. Each year, our partners and we must start afresh, securing the resources needed to provide food, education, medical care, clothing, pastoral support, and so much more for the year: the essentials that every child deserves, but which many still lack.
We can only continue this work thanks to your support—through your custom in our shops, your donations of items, and your financial contributions. A thought, as the New Year approaches and you reflect on your resolutions, we invite you to consider setting up a standing order to CRY, as a way to strengthen your commitment to making a lasting difference for children in 2026. It is just a thought, one we leave with you.
Thank you for your continued generosity, and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
