DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal reaches £13 million, 24 hours after launch
A staggering £13 million has been raised so far by the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal, a day after it was launched - from money given online, text and phone donations.
The funds raised are going directly to help the more than 11 million people affected by the powerful typhoon which devastated parts of the Philippines. Hundreds of thousands of people have had their homes damaged or destroyed, and are in desperate need of food, water and shelter.
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: “The initial public response has been overwhelming – people have given so generously in such a short space of time. They have obviously been moved by the heart-breaking stories coming out of the Philippines of those struggling to survive.”
“Much of the money donated will be needed to pay for work by emergency teams on the ground who are providing essentials such as food, water and temporary shelter. It’s clear that people are getting desperate. It’s vital that we continue to respond to their needs, and that the UK public continues to give.”
“The £13 million does not include the government’s pledge to match donations pound for pound up to £5million – for which we are really grateful.”
Damage to transport links and heavy rain have affected aid distribution efforts, but vital aid is beginning to get through as relief operations are stepped up.
Compared to previous DEC appeals, the response to the Philippines Typhoon is unprecedented. Within 15 hours of its launch, £1.5million was raised by online donations alone, before the DEC appeals were broadcast on radio and television - largely a result of strong interest from social media, including Twitter and Facebook.
While the DEC doesn’t generally make comparisons – we are grateful for all public support -the amount donated this time has exceeded previous amounts raised in the East Africa Crisis, Haiti Earthquake, and Pakistan Floods Appeals for the first 24 hours of each appeal.
To make a donation to the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal visit http://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. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.
Stay up to date with developments in the Philippines, the emergency response and the DEC’s fundraising efforts on twitter: http://twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via http://www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee
What your money will buy
• £25 Water purification tablets for ten families for a month
• £50 Feed a family for two weeks
• £100 Emergency shelter and bedding for one family
Notes to editors
• The DEC brings 14 leading UK aid charities together in times of crisis: ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Plan UK, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision; all collectively raising money to reach those in need quickly.
• All of our members will support the appeal and 13 of our 14 members are responding either directly or through partner organisations.
• Donations can be made at any high street bank and at post office counters.
• To donate £5 by text send the word SUPPORT to 70000. The full £5 will go to the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal. Donors must be 16 years or over and have the bill payer’s permission. Texts are free and donations will be added to the bill.
• Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk or 0370 60 60 900
