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Direct from Addis Ababa to the House of Commons

 

From left to right Kirsty Smith, MRDF Director; Meg Munn MP; Rt Hon Hilary Armstrong MP; Ruby Beech Vice-President of Conference.

 

 

It's been a busy time for the Methodist Relief and Development Fund, whose mission is to make small miracles possible for people living in the world's poorest communities.

 

MRDF Director, Kirsty Smith, recently delivered a speech at a reception for the charity at the House of Commons. She thanked representatives from the Methodist Districts and other key Methodist networks and encouraged them to help make more small miracles possible. Kirsty spoke with humour and passion on the subject of “Why not MRDF?”

 

“MRDF facilitates work in the world's poorest communities. We work through small local partners who are best placed to meet local need, but who are often unable to access funding from larger agencies. Our limited funds are targeted to benefit the people who, through age, ethnic background, sex or inaccessible location, are doubly disadvantaged. At the risk of sounding like an advertisement for a certain well-known beverage … MRDF reaches the people other agencies don't reach.” Kirsty Smith, MRDF Director.

 

Ruby Beech, Vice-President of Methodist Conference, hosted the tea. Rt Hon Hilary Armstrong MP was guest of honour. The reception was attended by Revd Dr Marytn Atkins, President of Methodist Conference, Rev David Deeks, General Secretary of Methodist Conference as well as members of the House of Lords and MPs. Representatives of the Methodist Districts and Schools were also in attendance, reflecting the fact that MRDF wouldn't exist without the tireless efforts of supporters throughout the UK. The event was kindly sponsored by Methodist Insurance.