Since the launch of the appeal for donations, more than £100 million has been raised to provide aid for Ukraine amid the Russian- Ukraine conflict. The act is described as an “amazing show of support” from the public of the United Kingdom.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) stated it is equivalent to more than £1 million an hour since the appeal was launched.
The donations are already being used by the committee in Ukraine and its border to assist people fleeing the war. The funds will be used to provide food, water, shelter, medical assistance, protection and a trauma care centre. The committee said the message from volunteers is that more funds are needed rather than specific donated items as it is difficult to transport.
However, additional donations will help the charities to scale up their work, which includes Age International, Save the Children and the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).
CAFOD’s head of supporter engagement, Jo Kitterick, stated: “This incredible show of support for people fleeing the conflict has meant that we have been able to start spending funds straight away to assist more people.
“Through our global partner Caritas, we are functioning inside Ukraine and on its borders, setting up safe centres with beds, food and washing facilities. We are also providing other facilities such as transport, information, psychological support and child-friendly spaces. The Russian-Ukraine conflict shows no sign of letting up, and our local experts are seeing more and more individuals having to flee their homes to keep themselves safe.
“We’re expecting the numbers crossing the border to keep rising in the upcoming days. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has donated to help us to support them in their moment of greatest need.”
The DEC, which compromises of 15 leading UK aid charities is aiming to raise money quickly and efficiently at times of crisis, said: “generous donations” have been made by the British Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, among others.
The latest total includes £25 million in match-funding from the UK Government; it said, the largest commitment ever made to a DEC appeal through the UK aid match scheme.
