DEC appeal reaches £14 million in its first week of fundraising

Media contacts: 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours)

Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk or by calling 0370 60 60 900

** Spokespeople, case studies, recent photos and footage are available **

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) today announced that its Indonesia Tsunami Appeal has raised £14 million so far, to help the 200,000 survivors who are in urgent need of humanitarian support, two weeks on from when the Indonesia earthquake and tsunami hit.

2,073 are now confirmed dead after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami with waves as high as 18 feet hit Central Sulawesi Province on 28 September. Many of those affected have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods as a result of the devastation. Major search and rescue operations are due to end today.

Over the weekend fundraising events and collections are expected to take place in communities around the country as the public continue to respond to the urgent call from DEC member agencies for funds. PayPal with the support of their customers have raised over £800,000 for the appeal.

The money raised will allow the 13 DEC member agencies currently responding to the crisis to provide food, clean water, healthcare and support for more survivors in Sulawesi.

DEC CEO Saleh Saeed, said:

“The UK public have once again demonstrated their generosity and compassion. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal so far.

“Every donation we have received will help our member charities provide the support which survivors urgently need. Healthcare, food and clean water are urgently needed in the coming days and weeks, as well as psychosocial support to help people cope after suffering immense trauma.

“However, more help is needed. We would urge the public to continue giving, to help reduce the scale of the suffering.”

To make a donation to the DEC Indonesia Tsunami Appeal, visit www.dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. To donate £5, text SUPPORT to 70000. Texts cost £5 and the whole £5 goes to the DEC INDONESIA TSUNAMI APPEAL. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information, go to www.dec.org.uk

Stay up to date with developments in Indonesia, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on twitter: www.twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee

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Notes to editors:

Media enquiries please call 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours)

At times of very great need, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together a unique alliance of the UK’s leading aid agencies and broadcasters to maximise fundraising and quickly deliver effective emergency relief. The DEC brings together 14 major UK aid agencies: Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.

• UK Government match funding will go directly to the DEC. This funding has doubled the value of the public’s own donations up to £2 million and will ensure that charities working on the ground can reach even more people in need.
• Funds raised will go towards humanitarian assistance in Indonesia, Sulawesi Island.
• To make a postal donation make cheques payable to ‘DEC Indonesia Tsunami Appeal’ and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’.
• Donations can be made at any high street bank and at Post Office counters.
• To donate £5 text SUPPORT to 70000. Texts cost £5 and the whole £5 goes to the DEC INDONESIA TSUNAMI APPEAL. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information go to www.dec.org.uk
  Shelter - £30 could provide emergency shelter for one family
  Food - £50 could provide a family with food for a month
  Hygiene - £100 could help build toilet and washing facilities for a family
• Appeal image can be downloaded here. Further photos, footage and spokespeople are available.