What A Start - January News
A new year has begun — and we’re kicking it off with some amazing news, fresh opportunities, and plenty to celebrate.
1) Christmas — Beyond what we could have imagined!
We stepped out in child-like faith, believing we could raise £26,000 by the 26th of December for children in CRY-supported homes across the world — and thanks to our incredible network (you!), we reached our goal (including Gift Aid)! The response was overwhelming. Your generosity is changing lives, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
We can now confirm that the total amount raised is over £28,500. To God be all the glory.
2) Woolston Shop — Reopening with a Fresh New Look!
Our Woolston shop is opening again after a period of repairs — and it’s looking better than ever. Pop in, say hello, browse the rails, donate your pre-loved treasures, and help us spread the word. Your support makes a real difference.
Pass on the good news - Woolston Shop is open again!
CRY Charity Shop | 41 Victoria Road, Woolston, SO19 9DY - Hampshire.
Here's a case study, showing how your custom in any of our shops is making a difference to children across the globe.
3) A new partnership in the Philippines.
We’re thrilled to announce a new long-term partnership with Hands and Feet in the Philippines — an amazing NGO supporting children in underprivileged communities. One of their many projects takes place in the coastal town of Cotmo, where children are fed and cared for.
Our support will help sustain and expand this work there and in other communities. You can read more about our partnership with them and how your donations will be used to feed children by clicking here.
Below is a video and some pictures showing you what it all looks like. Check it out, smiles guaranteed.
This photo shows one of our trustees, Seth (left), and our project partner, Danilo, leading children’s club activities in Cotmo during our visit last November (we will share more soon about this last visit!).
A few of the beneficiaries on Cotmo beach after the feeding programme.
4) Care and Relief in Deep Darkness
As a charity, we have always followed a God-given, clear mandate: to stand with children in some of the most desperate of circumstances, especially where need is greatest, and hope is hardest to find.
Annually, we cross-reference global data, humanitarian assessments, and independent reports to ensure that our work remains true to our mission.
In a way that is deliberate rather than tokenistic, we ask ourselves hard questions:
Are we present where suffering is most acute? Are we truly reaching the children most at risk? And are we, in real and measurable terms, bringing care and relief into the deepest darkness?
You can read our findings for 2026 by clicking here.
5) London is Calling — Join Our Team!
For the first time in our history, we have a brand-new opportunity based in London, along with another role in the Hampshire area. If you’d love to make a real impact and work with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
You can check these opportunities here.
6) Empowering Children to Care for the Planet
We were delighted to support an eco-friendly initiative a few weeks ago. Kibera, Africa’s largest informal settlement, is home to a resilient and courageous community. Despite the challenges of poverty, many residents—including the children we support—came together to help clean up some of the pollution in the area.
While a small gesture in the face of global environmental concerns, it makes a real difference—not only for the environment but also for the children, teaching them the importance of caring for our planet.
As always, we can only do what we do thanks to your generosity and prayers.
We invite you to join us in prayer with our prayer for 2026 - by clicking here. Furthermore, will you explore the many projects, browse the map, causes, and regions where CRY operates, and choose one or two to hold in your prayers? You can find these by clicking here.
There are several ways to support CRY financially. We invite you to explore the different options to give to CRY by clicking here.
Verse of the month: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” - Proverbs 16:3
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To read more articles/prayers, click here.