£60 million has been donated by the UK public in 3 days.
Speaking to SKy this morning Saleh Saeed, chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, said the needs in Turkey and Syria are “absolutely huge”, adding that there is “still hope” that people will be found in the rubble of fallen buildings – something we’ve been illustrating in posts through the last 24 hours.
“An incredible £60m has been donated, mainly from the UK public. This was raised in three days – that’s a phenomenal amount,” Mr Saeed said.
“The money is still coming in… the needs in northwest Syria and in Turkey are absolutely huge and sadly ever growing as people now leave the rubble behind and start to think about mourning the loss of their friends and family and rebuilding their lives.
“But £60m is going to go a long way and make a huge deal of difference on the ground.”
Mr Saeed said the DEC had been in operation for over 60 years – and had run several appeals in the last year, including an ongoing fund for Ukraine.
“What has become really evident is the generosity of the British public who – once they see a case of such magnitude – are willing to give and support.”
The DEC is made up of 15 charities such as the British Red Cross, Oxfam and ActionAid – raised £32.9 million within 24 hours, including £5 million matched by the UK government.
The total amount includes donations from King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Donations to the DEC can be made on this link…
