Christian Aid Week 2006 (May 14-20) will be backed up with a host of celebrities, including music star Beverly Knight, actor Damian Lewis, and former EastEnders’ star and Strictly Come Dancing winner Jill Halfpenny.

|TOP|The celebrities will participate in the fundraising week to encourage people to add their time, money and voice, and raise awareness of Christian Aid’s slogan ‘You Add. We Multiply,’ which is part of the organisation’s belief that ‘together we can make a big difference and that even the smallest donation can grow to achieve real change.’

Music star Beverly Knight said: “Christian Aid is committed and assertive in tackling world poverty and its relative impact on health, economy, and social issues. As an ambassador, I have seen their work first hand. Please help Christian Aid this week to keep empowering those who need their help the most.”

Actress Jill Halfpenny said: “Having seen for myself the impressive projects Christian Aid supported after the tsunami in India, I was amazed at how many people could be helped with just a small donation. ‘’You add. We multiply’’ makes real sense.”

|AD|Actor Damian Lewis said: “I’ve been lucky enough to see for myself in Bolivia some of the work Christian Aid does in campaigning for fairer treatment of the poorest people in south America. I hope people give what they can this Christian Aid Week.”

Started in 1957, Christian Aid Week collectors and supporters raised more than £14.8 million last year, which was used to support the charity’s work in more than 50 of the poorest countries around the world.

More than seven million people get involved in Christian Aid Week with around 350,000 volunteers taking part in door-to-door collections using the famous Christian Aid red envelope.

Hundreds of sponsored events take place across the United Kingdom.

Donations to Christian Aid Week can be made at www.caweek.org or by calling 08080 006 006.