Words by Smiley Team
Donations from the British public to Ukraine have topped £100 million, with people sending over £1 million an hour to the war-struck country.
These figures are based on donations sent to charity members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), who have seen aid nearly double in the last four days alone.
The initial funds were boosted by donations from the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, raising UK aid to £55 million on Friday.
The UK government also contributed, matching every pound donated up to the first £10 million raised by the DEC.
The DEC’s Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: “We are extremely grateful for the huge generosity of everyone in the UK who has donated to the DEC Appeal. We are also very grateful for the generous support of the Royal Family.
“We also thank the UK Government who have matched pound for pound the first £20 million donated by the public, as well as our broadcast partners and celebrities for having aired and joined the appeal, reaching millions of viewers and listeners.”
[Read more positive news about people taking on the biggest challenges facing humanity]
Made up of 15 UK aid charities, the DEC is dedicated to tackling humanitarian crises abroad by channelling public donations to those in need.
Their members include children’s charities as well as leading UK organisations working to end poverty, hunger and inequalities. As an umbrella organisation for these diverse causes, the DEC ensures funding goes to the people most in need of support.
“Giving through the DEC is the most effective way to get the right assistance to the right people,” Saleh explained.
He added: “While wanting to collect clothes and other items for people in need is laudable, the things people give today may not be what people need tomorrow and aid workers say they can’t use much of what is arriving. Donating through the DEC is the most helpful way people can assist.”
“We urge people to continue donating as the need is great and the response needed is likely to run into months and years. Please help now.”
DONATE: To support charities’ ongoing mission to help the people of Ukraine, donate to the DEC.
SUPPORT: Spread the word about how the public can effectively help the war victims. Share the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
