CHAGFORD based charity the Joliba Trust is taking part in the Christmas Challenge to raise £7,500 in one week!

From Tuesday, November 29, until December 6 (midday), Joliba Trust is fundraising to buy fruit trees for young people to plant orchards in Mali, West Africa.

A charity spokesperson said: ‘They can plant on land given to them by their family and the produce sold from these orchards brings a good income and provides more local food to the community.

‘This area has higher rainfall but has become the poorest and most malnourished part of Mali after years of forced cotton production. We wish to provide opportunities to young people who are currently forced to leave their homes to look for labouring jobs abroad.

‘Many end up working in appalling slave-like conditions in plantations or as maids vulnerable to abuse. Many are never able to return home because they do not earn enough money.

‘Donations to our project will be generously matched by Friends of The Reed Foundation, a Champion from The Big Give and several of our loyal supporters. This means that your money can support twice as many young people into productive employment.

Caroline Hart, co-ordinator at Joliba Trust, says: ‘We are hoping that more people will get to know about our vital work in supporting communities on the front-line of climate change.

‘Through funding this programme of planting orchards, whole communities have greater food security. Our work is extremely cost-effective, as we have very low overheads. We hope to raise at least £7,500.  In order to access the £3,750 of matched funds, we need to raise online donations of £3,750.’

How can you get involved? ‘You can help us to carry out this work by donating to us in The Big Give – Christmas Challenge Fund.’

You can visit www.thebiggive.org.uk  and donate to Joliba Trust on this page: https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a056900002M4cvQAAR  from when it goes live on midday on November 29 until midday on December 6.

You can sign up for news and update at www.jolibatrust.com or email [email protected]