Marjorie has good cause to celebrate

Dec 5 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A VOLUNTEERS’ champion from Perth has stepped down after 13 years’ sterling service.

The efforts of Marjorie Clark, who has retired as Christian Aid’s North of Scotland area co-ordinator, were recognised by campaigners at the Fair City’s North Church.

Working from the charity’s Perth office, Marjorie, along with her colleague Carol Deuchars, provided support from Falkirk to Shetland.

Marjorie’s duties included travelling up and down the country to meet committees, church groups, guilds, youth groups and presbyteries.

During her 13 years’ service, Marjorie visited some of the projects Christian Aid funds overseas in the likes of Ghana, Malawi, India and the Philippines.

She organised a sponsored walk across the Tay Bridge every April, helping raise more than £27,000 this year. Yesterday, the Presbytery of Perth’s Reverend David Souter paid the campaigner a glowing tribute. He said: “Marjorie’s work was not just about raising money but also about challenging the causes of poverty.

“She encouraged churches and supporters to be involved with campaigns on issues like fair trade, international debt, trade rules, and most recently, climate change.

“Marjorie also represented Christian Aid on networks like Jubilee 2000, Trade Justice Movement and Make Poverty History.

“While the issues were serious, the actual campaigning usually turned out to be tremendous fun, and was often successful in bringing about some real change.”

Marjorie described her work as “a great privilege and very satisfying”.

“I met inspirational people both at home and abroad,” she said.

“My work has given me a sense of achievement as so much money was raised each year – almost £720,000 this year alone during Christian Aid Week in our area.”