SIR – Once again the citizens of Romsey and King's Somborne have supported Christian Aid's fund-raising to help the world's poorest.

This year the emphasis is on helping those devastated by the storms and earthquakes in Haiti, but Christian Aid's long-term and emergency support continues in thirty-seven countries in Africa, Asia and Central and South America.

Nationally 'the week' raises about £10m, or 11 per cent of the annual income of around £97m.

Of this, 86 per cent goes in aid through local partners and the remainder is used for fund-raising, management and governance.

Every year it becomes more difficult to find volunteers to deliver and collect the door-to-door envelopes, but nevertheless around fifty collectors raised £4,897 in Romsey and King's Somborne, of which about ten per cent was Gift Aided.

The Baptist Church supplemented our fund-raising by organising an Auction of Promises in which fifty promises raised £1,399, and the Abbey held both a bucket collection and a cake sale, raising £816.

So, thanks to all those who recognised the needs of the wider world and chose to show their support by giving in one way or another. In total Romsey raised £7,112.

DAVE SHARMAN

Secretary, Romsey Christian Aid Committee.