Christian Aid, our featured charity for May, is looking for entries to compete in the BUPA Great North Run in October. 150 places are currently available for the world’s biggest half marathon, with runners only asked to raise £300 to take part.

One of last year’s runners, Kevin Clelland, ran with his wife Amy and his mate, Daniel.

“It was Amy’s first half marathon so we took it easy and came home over an hour down on my time last year and 29000 places further back but it was probably my most enjoyable Great North Run yet!   Daniel and I ran as Mexicans – I attached my Christian Aid vest to my poncho and thankfully the sombrero kept the sun off my head!”

Proof that the fun really is in the taking part!

Thanks to people like Kevin, Amy and Daniel, Christian Aid will be raising money to help poor communities worldwide. If you want to be part of this truly mind-blowing event and join in the fun call us now to reserve your place and avoid disappointment on 0207 523 2248 or email events@christianaid.org

You too can help Christian Aid by purchasing one of the 40 gifts available from Present Aid. Your gift could be a herd of goats all the way up to a health workers salary, helping to transform the lives of people in some of the world’s poorest countries.

> > click here to view the gifts available at Present Aid

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the donation4charity blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

The RSPCA have slammed the Australian government’s annual kangaroo culling as a ‘killing frenzy’.

The government have increased the numbers allowed to be shot by commercial hunters from 5million every year to 7million.  The Farmers’ Association of New South Wales claim a leap from 8million to over 13million in the past 12 months justify the extra Kangaroo culling. The Association also blame the overpopulation causing damage to fences, crops, and depletion of the Outback’s water supply. But with the meat Kangaroo goods now becoming a multimillion dollar industry, animal rights groups see this as an excuse for commercial gain.

It’s not just animal rights groups who disagree with the cull either. 8 Aboriginal elders scaled the fences of the former naval communications post in Canberra where a cull was taking place. Once inside the elders held a smoking ceremony, to ‘claim back their land’. Local Aborigines have been closely involved in the protest against the cull for several weeks.

Ngunnawal tribe spokeswoman Isobel Coe told police -

“If you are going to treat us like trespassers you will have to arrest us and take us to jail. We are claiming our land and that’s what our sacred fire means.”

It is now possible to help fund the work of the RSPCA by using their charity credit card. MBNA will pledge £20 to the RSPCA for each card issued, with a further 25p being donated for every £100 spent.

> > click here to find out more about the work of the WSPA

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the donation4charity blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Animal charities have now officially listed the Tasmanian Devil on the Endangered Species List. Experts predict that the carnivorous marsupial could be extinct within the next 20 years.

Nearly 64% of all the Tasmanian Devil population have been infected by a deadly facial tumour. The disease itself is spread to each creature through biting, leaving the animal unable to eat, and inevitably leading to organ failure.

Recent research suggests that some devils may have a genetic resistance to the disease. Experts are currently observing a Devil who is showing the first signs of being immune, whilst 47 of the species have been shipped to mainland Australia to help preserve the genetic diversity from total extinction.

> > click here to make a donation to the WSPA

> > click here to save the Tasmanian Devil

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the donation4charity blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."