Shop workers on mercy mission to Hungary

A group of north Norfolk supermarket workers swapped trolleys for trowels when they jetted off to Hungary to help build an extension at a home for needy one-parent families.

A group of north Norfolk supermarket workers swapped trolleys for trowels when they jetted off to Hungary to help build an extension at a home for needy one-parent families.

Simon Clipsom, Jonny Court and Patrick Bennett, who work at Morrisons of Cromer, teamed up with Budgens of Holt manager Shane Woolstone and teacher Lauren Mayes to organise a week-long trip to Kanaan-Haz, a home opened last year at Papa, western Hungary by Sheringham-based Christian charity Canaan.

Work has already started on an extension at the centre, which caters for six women and nine children, and the group, who paid their own travelling expenses, planned to start work on its roof and ceiling soon after landing in Hungary last Tuesday (October 17).

Building materials have been paid for with the £1,000 in sponsorship they have raised, with Canaan, which also supports youngsters at a number of Hungarian orphanages, sending out van-load of tinned food collected at a harvest festival service held at Cromer parish church.

Mr Clipsom, who has visited Papa every year since work began on Kanaan-Haz in 2003, said the extension would provide accommodation for a further three families.

"The home is a lifeline for homeless mothers whose children would otherwise be sent to orphanages, and it has been so successful that there is now a waiting list," he added.

Kanaan-Haz, which was built with cash donated by Norfolk businesses and individuals, is now managed by a Hungarian trust, with building work overseen by north Norfolk man Brian Anderson.

To find out more about Canaan, which was set up 30 years ago by children's evangelist Evelyn Smith, or to make a donation, visit www.canaan-christian-centre.co.uk or phone 01263 824300.