Age is but a number for Colin Brannen, a 76-year old from London who plans to ride his bike from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to London and back to raise awareness to end global hunger. The former teacher does not own a car and will take time along his route to stop and talk to people about global hunger and the IF Campaign.  This campaign tackles the idea that the world makes enough food for everyone, and yet not everyone has enough food.

Brannen’s goal is to get to London to take part in the IF campaign’s rally in Hyde Park on June 8.  The rally and campaign is being supported by Christian Aid and over 200 different development organizations.  Brannen has been a Christian Aid organizer for over 30 years.  Throughout his ride he will discuss with people what Christian Aid is doing to support the IF campaign.

According to Brannen, campaigning is increasingly important in current times.  Poverty reduction is not all about raising money, although that is important, it is equally about raising awareness and inspiring action.  Brannan hopes to bring change and encourage the government to be more supportive of the fight against poverty.

As an avid cyclist, Brannen has cycled to raise awareness for social and justice issues throughout his life.  In 1998, he cycled to Birmingham for the G8 conference and part of the way to Cologne, Germany in 1999 for another G8 rally. In 2004, he cycled to Brighton for a trade justice event.  Christian Aid is asking people to show their support for ending global hunger by attending the rally.  In a world where we produce enough food for everyone, it is inexcusable that one in eight people still go hungry.

The IF campaign is calling for G8 leaders to take action at the meeting in Northern Ireland later in June and continue to fight hunger.  For more details go to the Christian Aid website at www.christianaid.org.uk/if.

– Amanda Kloeppel

Source: Christian Today