We can finally let you in on an exciting secret we've been keeping. We're thrilled to announce that Afghanaid has been selected as one of three charities taking part in The Times and The Sunday Times’ prestigious Christmas appeal.

This means that throughout December and January, stories about Afghanaid's work and the incredibly resilient communities we serve will feature in both digital and print editions of The Times and The Sunday Times to help raise vital funds.

With the UN projecting that 6 million people in Afghanistan are currently on the brink of famine, families we work with across the country have never been in dire need of support. The first snowfall has settled across Afghanistan in the past fortnight, and the brutal winter ahead will undoubtedly intensify the ongoing humanitarian crisis, cutting millions of families off from markets, hospitals and other vital services, and unable to grow any crops to feed themselves. Many are already being forced to turn to extreme coping mechanisms to keep their families fed and healthy. As put by our Chairman, Chris Kinder:

I have not seen a greater level of need in Afghanistan in the last 20 years. The impossible choices families are being forced to make in order to survive are beyond anything I have ever witnessed.

Our timely involvement in this incredible appeal will be instrumental in ensuring our staff can support the most vulnerable this winter and continue to build brighter, more resilient communities for many years to come.

Thank you, to all of our supporters, for your ongoing generosity - it is as a result of this generosity from our incredible community of givers that we have such fantastic stories of our life-changing impact to share.

Catch up on the coverage

• Don't miss Christina Lamb's article on the situation in Afghanistan and Afghanaid's work in the November 27th edition of The Sunday Times.
• Read about how our shelter construction work has supported families to return to their homes after conflict.
• Learn about our climate adaptation work in some of the most remote areas of the country.
• Don't miss this piece on how we form and support 'Self Help Groups' for women to help them learn new skills, start their own businesses and form vital connections with other women.
• Read Catherine Philp's piece on a recently launched water and sanitation project targeting local schools.
• 'Emergency food served up with skills for the future': catch up on how your support has enabled us to provide vital humanitarian assistance, whilst building resilience against future crises.
• Hear from The Times photographer Richard Pohle about his recent trip documenting our work.
• Get inspired our amazing supporters: read about mountain-climbing brothers Fonzie and Rocco and artists and poets conveying the lesser-known stories from Afghanistan's rich culture and history.
• Need some recipe inspiration? Check out the Times tried-and-tested Dinner Party menu.

Richard Pohle/The Times

Looking for the best way to support our work?

---

Want exciting updates on our work and campaigns delivered straight into your inbox? Sign up to our email newsletter.