DEC celebrates fundraisers for Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, the DEC is celebrating the amazing efforts of people around the UK who have been raising money for the Middle East Humanitarian Appeal since its launch on 17 October 2024. 

So far, an incredible £35 million has been raised to support vulnerable people across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region. This includes £10 million that has been matched by the UK Government.

Donations are already making a difference to communities in need, and as the cold and wet weather sets in, funds are more vital than ever to enable DEC charities and their local partners to provide people with food to eat, and a warm, dry place to sleep this winter.  

From fundraising bake sales, coffee mornings, raffles, and comedy shows, to bucket shaking at football matches and in tube stations, people have come together to support this appeal in many different ways.

The Giving Tuesday campaign aims to provide a platform for people to get involved with supporting charities in a number of different ways. All kinds of organisations are involved in the day, from charities to small businesses and large corporations, schools, religious or sports groups, social enterprises, community groups.

Behind each pound raised for this important appeal is a unique and special story of someone wanting to make a difference - from the volunteers putting on fun and unique activities, to the donors who gave generously. And when all come together giving becomes a force for good that can transform the lives of millions who urgently need help."

Claire Stanley, UK lead for Giving Tuesday

Among those supporting the appeal are Humphries and Begg, a clothing shop in Stroud who ran a charity raffle. Owner Alice Begg describes her motivation behind raising money for the Middle East appeal specifically: 

My son turned one, two weeks ago. I remember lying at home with him so safe, whilst I watched in horror all these children and babies living in a terrifying conflict zone. One year on and the situation has continued to get worse in Gaza, so many people are living in such desperate conditions we can’t begin to imagine what it must be like." 

During a recent UEFA Women’s Wales v. Ireland Euro Qualification match in the Welsh capital, DEC supporters were at the stadium shaking buckets and raising money for the appeal.

Honestly it breaks my heart. People have lost their homes and pretty much everything they own and can’t get the medical help they need, it’s terrible. It’s so bad you can’t even really put yourself in their place and imagine all that.” 

Volunteer Rhys Stephen from Cardiff

Pamela Story set up a fundraiser at her local church in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. She said:

We hosted a coffee morning where people could come and donate, and a produce stall selling jams and marmalades etc, which all sold out. We raised £560 in an hour and a half. We find a DEC appeal really brings out the generosity of our supporters."

Donations to the Middle East Humanitarian appeal are making a difference on the ground in Gaza, Lebanon and across the wider region. Funds are helping DEC charities scale up their response knowing they have the support of the UK public to do all they can to help and reach as many of those in need as possible.

Ruth James, who has recently returned from Gaza, is Oxfam's Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa. She has seen first hand the difference donations are making to people affected. 

The funding raised through the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal has made a tangible difference in the lives of people in Gaza and Lebanon, providing critical support and hope amid immense challenges.

"In Gaza, families grapple daily with hunger, limited access to clean water and the constant threat of displacement and bombing," says Ruth. "In Lebanon, people were already struggling with an economic collapse, and now over one million people have been forcibly displaced and are struggling to meet even their basic needs. Continued support is essential to ensure that more families receive the assistance they so desperately require." 

You can help people affected by the crisis by making a donation and helping to raise money for the DEC appeal.