Christian Aid UK launches in Spain

Christian Aid UK launched on April, 1^st, in a bid in Spain to increase international backing for its campaigning on climate change and tax and boost funding for its development work in 49 of the world’s poorest countries.

InspirAction will be run as a Spanish registered foundation by a dedicated team based in its Madrid office.

In December 2009 Spain will take part in the UN summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen and will hold the EU presidency from January 2010. InspirAction will galvanise support from the Spanish public for Christian Aid‘s climate change campaign in order to pressure the Spanish government to push for a deal at Copenhagen that will ensure the plight of the world’s poorest countries is central to the talks.

Matthew Reed, Christian Aid‘s Marketing Director, said: ‘We are launching InspirAction in Spain because historically there is a strong sense of social solidarity amongst the Spanish people which we feel can be harnessed to increase international support for our vital campaigning and development work. Studies have also shown that Spain is an emerging fundraising market with much potential, both in terms of government and private funds, and we will be seeking to secure backing for many of our projects in Latin America.’

The decision to launch as InspirAction was taken after research revealed a direct translation of the name ‘Christian Aid’ could exclude, rather than include, many Spaniards who consider themselves Catholic rather than Christian. In addition, the charity does not own the name ‘Christian Aid’ internationally so a name was chosen that is both in keeping with Christian Aid‘s values and appropriate for the Spanish market.

 

Sources:

www.alertnet.org

www.christianaid.org.uk