New soap on a Christmas tree tradition starts in east Antrim

A new festive tradition began in east Antrim this year when a church minister hung a bar of soap on his Christmas tree for the first time.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Dec 2020, 15:53 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Rev Dr Colin McClure attached a piece of soap to the tree in First Larne Presbyterian Church as part of a campaign by Christian Aid Ireland to raise awareness of the millions who still lack easy access to soap and water.

Doing likewise in her Glengormley home was retired teacher and Christian Aid supporter Jill Bradley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Regularly washing your hands with soap is one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, however an estimated 3 billion people don’t have soap and water in their homes.

Rev Dr Colin McClure hangs soap on his Christmas tree.Rev Dr Colin McClure hangs soap on his Christmas tree.
Rev Dr Colin McClure hangs soap on his Christmas tree.

Christian Aid has so far managed to distribute soap to nearly 250,000 people in 18 countries as part of its effort to prevent the virus spreading in some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.

Rosamond Bennett, chief executive of Christian Aid Ireland, thanked Rev McClure for backing the campaign. She said: “While we all wait for the coronavirus vaccine, the humble bar of soap remains one of the best ways to help keep us safe by preventing the spread of the virus. However, the reality is that far too many of the world’s poorest families don’t have the basics like soap and water at home to help keep them safe. As a Christmas decoration, soap is a sign of hope that we can beat both the virus and extreme poverty.”

Soap also plays an important role in helping fight poverty. In Ethiopia, as well as the impact of coronavirus, the climate crisis is increasing the risk of drought and famine, which is pushing farming communities further into poverty.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Christian Aid is providing women with the tools they need to run a successful soap-making business. Mother-of three Kumana Kurasho (26) has been trained in soap-making by Christian Aid using the drought-resistant aloe vera plant native to the area which thrives where other crops fail.

Retired teacher Jill Bradley attached a piece of soap to the tree in her Glengormley home.Retired teacher Jill Bradley attached a piece of soap to the tree in her Glengormley home.
Retired teacher Jill Bradley attached a piece of soap to the tree in her Glengormley home.

The charity is asking people to take a photo of their soap Christmas tree decoration and share it on social media with the hashtag #soapbuildshope to encourage others to take part.

To support Christian Aid, visit http://caid.ie/SoapMaker

Click here to see: Christmas in Larne: Fantastic festives trees brightening your homes

--

An Afghan man washes his hands before proceeding to a Christian Aid distribution of soap and food, Badghis province.An Afghan man washes his hands before proceeding to a Christian Aid distribution of soap and food, Badghis province.
An Afghan man washes his hands before proceeding to a Christian Aid distribution of soap and food, Badghis province.

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.

Related topics:Christian AidAntrimIreland