A special church service to show solidarity with homeless people is to take place in Peel Cathedral on Sunday 31st January.

The service will mark 'Homelessness Sunday', an annual event for churches across the British Isles, and include a presentation on the work of the Manx Homeless Charity, Kemmyrk.

"Kemmyrk has been established for about two years now, and is doing some really good work," says service organiser, the Reverend Cyril Rogers, "but we do need to establish its long term future, especially in the current economic climate.  My personal estimate is that the charity will need to raise about £100,000 over the next two years, just to keep operating at the level that it is working at now.

"And I know it could be doing more.  Therefore I shall be taking the opportunity to launch a major appeal at the service to support Kemmyrk.  I will be asking for people to support Kemmyrk in three ways: by donating, by joining in fundraising activities and by voluntary work at several levels, from working with clients to standing for our management committee. 

"My real hope is that prayer will lead to care and that the churches will give a lead to the wider community in supporting the homeless on the Island."  

The Service for Homelessness Sunday is at Peel Cathedral at 3.30pm on Sunday 31st January.  It will be followed by light refreshments and will include a display on the work of the Manx Homeless Charity Kemmyrk.  All are most warmly welcomed to attend.

To find out further details about Kemmyrk, please contact Fiona Robinson on (01624) 685121.