More than 30 primary school choirs are taking part in The Big Christmas Sing this week, a five-night series run by Oxfordshire County Music Service (OCMS) to raise funds for Christian Aid. The concerts are school-only (not open to the public), but the appeal they support is for all of us.
Debbie Rose, OCMS Vocal Development Leader and musical director, said the event “marks the beginning of the Christmas season for many Oxfordshire primary schools… several hundred children experience the joy of singing with others,” while hearing about children “for whom Christmas may not be such a joyous time.”
This year, Christian Aid highlights families forced to flee conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Funds help with urgent needs such as food, medicine, safe water and shelter, and longer-term livelihoods so families can rebuild.
How you can help (even if you can’t attend)
Donate to Christian Aid: christianaid.org.uk
Give a little, change a lot:
- £3 buys a mosquito net to protect a child from malaria
- £4 buys a 20-litre jerrycan for drinking water
- £8 funds malaria medication for a child
- £13 provides tarpaulin + fixings for shelter
- £24 funds a family hygiene kit
- £115 supports in-person emotional care for a survivor of rape for one month
Schools & choirs: check your school letters for set-night details; please do not share pupil timetables publicly.
Why this matters
Millions of people in the DRC have been displaced by conflict, with hospitals, schools and basic services damaged or overwhelmed. Christian Aid has worked with local partners there since the 1970s, supporting people in camps and villages with cash assistance for essentials, clean water access and trauma support, alongside longer-term income projects.
“The Big Christmas Sing is a joyful night for pupils and families, and a reminder that we can make a real difference to children far from home,” said Debbie Rose.
Please note: These concerts are private to participating schools; there are no public tickets. We’re sharing this story to celebrate local pupils and raise awareness for the appeal.
