The British public has donated a marvellous
=A376 million on the web and phones since the launch of the Disasters Emergency
Committee joint agency appeal at midday on Tuesday 28 December, and is
on course to top =A3100 million.
Brendan Gormley, DEC Chief Executive
said: 'We believe that we are looking at well over =A3100 million in total,
if donations keep coming in as they are. Our responsibility and promise
to the public will be to spend that money wisely and well.
'The agencies are already bringing clean water, medicines, food and clothes to the survivors, but we need to keep the spirit of generosity alive. Heartrending stories of loss are still coming through. On every level people's lives have been devastated. DEC agencies are in there for the long haul, not only to save lives but also to rebuild livelihoods over the next couple of years, and we must keep the momentum up,' continued Gormley.
The DEC is asking the public to keep donating from every source, including online, over the telephone hotline, by text, or at high street banks or post offices.
This 51st appeal has evoked the largest public response in the history of the DEC, which was founded 41 years ago in 1963. The DEC believes the tsunami earthquake appeal could well be the largest show of support for any public appeal in the UK.
Gormley said: The generosity of ordinary people, public figures, celebrities, and the corporate sector has been overwhelming. They have recognised that this global catastrophe needs an extraordinary response. The aid agencies have so much to thank the public for, but much remains to be done and we still need more money.'
DEC agencies are one part of a complex equation of relief and rehabilitation work. Governments and the UN have key responsibilities in co-ordinating worldwide reaction to the crisis, but the aid agencies have a special and crucial person-to-person role in getting aid to those who need it most.
ENDS
Released by the DEC press office on 020 7387 0200 or out of hours on 07734 581738.
Notes for Editors:
Agency activities, countries of operation, human interest stories are available from the DEC press office.
Donate at www.dec.org.uk
The 24 hour donation line is 0870 60 60 900
Mobile users of 3, orange, T-mobile, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone can text 'DONATE' to 83321. =A31.50 will be donated to the appeal and no further charges will be applied.
Donations can also be sent by post to: DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA
Donations can also be made at any high street bank or post office.
Cheques made payable: DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal
What money donated will buy:
- =A315 Provide a family with plastic sheeting, a water container and purification tablets
- =A335 Provide a family with enough food for a week
- =A3100 Zinc sheeting and timber to help rebuild two family homes
The Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella organisation of Britain's 12 leading aid agencies which launches and coordinates Britain's national appeal in response to major disasters overseas. Members of the DEC are: ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International UK, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.