The theme of this year's Guardian charity appeal was hope, supporting fantastic projects that foster community, tolerance and empathy. Over the past year our reporting has captured the increased alarm most of us feel over the return of 1970s-style racist abuse, the demonisation of refugees and the resurgence of far-right marches in Britain's streets. I'm delighted that Guardian readers responded with such generosity, warmth and solidarity. Your donations will make a positive difference, sending a clear message about standing up to hate and bringing people together.
When they meet, share stories and learn together, they build empathy and understanding that lasts a lifetime, Linda Cowie and Meg Grant said of the children who participate in the schools linking network they help run. The project, which now operates in 26 local authorities, pairs schools so pupils from different faiths, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds can meet, spend time together and discover what they have in common.
I said it then and I'll say it again now: I love this city. I also think we're at a turning point. Change is hardand inevitable. Our bodies age, jobs shift, no two days look the same. Change can be beautiful when we understand it and frightening when we don't. Saratoga itself is proof: This place was once orchards. Generations before us chose to allow homes, and that choice is why most of usmy family, yourscan live here at all.