How It All Began

Support For World In Need was formed in August 1999 shortly after the founder, Violet Gitzer, had a calling from the Lord to help those suffering in Kosovo. She then met Fr. Mato, a priest from Kosovo who invited Violet to visit Kosovo for herself. Violet and her daughter, Cathy Gitzer went out to Kosovo and met with refugees and those suffering the effects of war and poverty.

Photo: Cathy Gitzer - bombed church in Kosovo

Following their return, they began fundraising with street collections, coffee mornings, cheese and wine, beauty evenings, quiz evenings and Scottish dancing. Money raised has been sent regularly through the Church overseas. Towards the end of 1999, warm clothes & Christmas presents were sent for children in Kosovo. Since then the Charity has grown and aims to help anywhere in the world. 

Support for World in Need focuses particularly on the basic essential needs of food, clothing, accommodation and education. Since SFWIN was registered with The Charity Commission in May 2000, it has continued to extend its assistance to more and more causes in response to appeals for help.

Support For World In Need is a small charity with no overheads or employed staff. All work carried out by Trustees, Committee Members and other helpers is on a voluntary basis. All proceeds from fund raising events and donations are therefore used directly to relieve poverty.